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Liverpool vs. Tottenham: Who does Mauricio Pochettino start?

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Cenk Tosun of Everton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Mousa Dembele of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Cenk Tosun of Everton during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton at Wembley Stadium on January 13, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Toby Alderweireld and Danny Rose are the only two noticeable absentees as Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is on the verge of returning to full fitness for the first time in months.

Everything is falling into place at an opportune time in north London, with Serge Aurier and Harry Winks back in contention for first team action. Neither player will start at Anfield, though, especially considering Kieran Trippier’s exquisite performance against United on Wednesday.

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Expect Winks and Aurier to make their returns against Newport in the FA Cup midweek.

Spurs supporters are also anticipant of seeing their £25 million man make his début in a Lilywhites shirt. I’d be flabbergasted not to see Lucas Moura start against the Exiles on Wednesday. Pochettino confirmed that the Brazilian won’t be available for Sunday. 

If everyone recovered well after the United match, and there’s no news support the contrary, I wouldn’t be surprised to see an unchanged starting 11 line up at Anfield. Son Heung-Min took a few knocks on Wednesday, but has no reported lingering ailments.

Mousa Dembele ran his socks off on Wednesday but should be ready to take his place in the heart of midfield. The other spots almost pick themselves.

Spurs - Football tactics and formations
Spurs - Football tactics and formations /

Moussa Sissoko, if any changes are forthcoming, would be the most likely to infiltrate the top 11. His strength, physicality and ability to track back would benefit Spurs against a skilled, lightning-quick Liverpool side, particularly at Anfield.

That scenario is unlikely, though, as Pochettino will most likely go with the mantra that if it isn’t broken don’t fix it.

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While Pochettino wouldn’t be too dismayed by leaving Anfiled with a share of the spoils, an opportunity to leapfrog Liverpool is a tasty opportunity he’ll want to make the most of.

Spurs are two points adrift of Liverpool and Chelsea heading into the weekend’s fixtures, with the Blues travelling to Watford for a Monday evening encounter.