Matchday Live: Monaco vs Tottenham

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.

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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.

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.