Matchday Live: Monaco vs Tottenham
By Ryan Wrenn
![LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Jemerson and Djibril Sidibe of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Jemerson and Djibril Sidibe of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/893f485d90af64a56d96292206e4c4bc25eef2f477330598182b7f76f90be19d.jpg)
#THFC team: Lloris (C), Trippier, Dier, Wimmer, Rose, Wanyama, Dembele, Winks, Son, Dele, Kane. #COYS pic.twitter.com/eWmCIdrrE6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 22, 2016
Lineups Announced!
Far from the strong, three-at-the-back team we suggested earlier in the day, Pochettino has named what looks like a 4-3-3 formation for Tuesday’s match against Monaco.
The attacking three of Harry Kane, Heung-min Son and Dele Alli is encouraging. That trio represents Tottenham’s attacking edge, and should punish Monaco for any space they leave behind their defense.
More from Match Reports
- From glory, glory to gory, gory, for Mason and Tottenham Hotspur
- Ryan Mason’s Elegant Solution to Tottenham’s Problems
- Tottenham – Defensive needs show over last two games
- Tottenham Hotspur hold off Brighton in much needed 2-1 win
- Mason moves make the difference for lucky Tottenham against Brighton
Midfield is more interesting however. Victory Wanyama, Mousa Dembélé and — shockingly — Harry Winks all retain their starting spots from the 3-2 win over West Ham. Like they did against Tottenham’s London rivals, that trio should occupy the center of the pitch and deny Monaco the chance to find any favor through the middle.
Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier seem set to play dual roles as auxillary wingers and last-ditch defenders against Monaco’s own set of full-backs.
Finally, Jan Vertonghen is rested in favor of Kevin Wimmer starting alongside Eric Dier.
H-1 ! #ASMTOT
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) November 22, 2016
1-Subasic
5-Jemerson
25-Glik
23-Mendy
19-Sidibé
14-Bakayoko
2-Fabinho
27-Lemar
10-Silva
18-Germain
9-Falcao pic.twitter.com/Gn8waC1xQD
Monaco are looking confident — borderline cocky. This is an especially attacking side, with a top four of attackers anchored by the defensive midfield pair of Fabinho and Tiemoué Bakayoko.
In defense, two especially attack-minded full-backs in Benjamin Mendy and Djibril Sibide seem set to either terrorize Rose and Trippier or give them ample space to maneuver high up the pitch.
These are two sides that could combine to make a very good match. Tottenham fans might be concerned to see the likes of Vertonghen and Christian Eriksen on the bench, but with the match against Chelsea on Saturday some rotation is forgivable.