Matchday Live: Bayer Leverkusen v Tottenham

Tottenham and Bayer Leverkusen Lineups!

Some definitely surprises here.

It appeared as if Heung-min Son were in line to set up at striker just as he did against Manchester City two weeks ago. The South Korean proved decisive in a role that exposed a vulnerable City defense. Leverkusen seemed slated to suffer the same fate.

The inclusion of Vincent Janssen, then, says something about the tactics here. Pochettino might have appreciated the Dutchman’s hold up play against West Brom and fancies him to excel against a Leverkusen backline that’s looked vulnerable of late.

Moussa Sissoko gets dropped, but surprisingly Mousa Dembélé starts from the bench. That leaves Victor Wanyama alone in defensive midfield, with Christian Eriksen likely dropping back from the attacking trio of Son, Dele Alli and Érik Lamela.

Elsewhere the only surprise is Kieran Trippier’s inclusion in place of Kyle Walker. Perhaps Pochettino is simply resting the England international, or perhaps he thinks that Leverkusen might be more vulnerable to Trippier’s wide play.

Significantly less surprises from Leverkusen. Chicharito starts up top, and should be the host’s biggest threat on the night. Lars Bender — typically a central midfielder — seems set to post up at right-back. Tottenham might take that as opportunity to be a bit more aggressive on that flank.

Check back here at half-time for some mid-game analysis and what Tottenham needs to do after the interval.