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Does Tottenham make lineup changes for Bournemouth?

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Lucas Moura and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Lucas Moura and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on February 25, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham dust off their socks and ready themselves for Bournemouth on Sunday, but will Mauricio Pochettino make personnel adjustments to rest a potentially weary starting 11? 

Eric Dier sustained an elbow injury against Juventus and is questionable. Pochettino will probably opt to give Dier – who has played relentlessly since the turn of the new year – a rest regardless of the medical staff’s diagnosis.

Victor Wanyama should step in for Dier, giving the Kenyan a chance to restake a claim for a spot that last season was consistently his. Although Mousa Dembélé showed signs of fatigue in the latter stages of Wednesday’s loss, I can’t see the gaffer resting his engine room based on slight fatigue alone.

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There is also an argument to make wholesale changes at wing back, as Kieran Trippier and Ben Davies put in arduous, exhausting shifts against the Old Lady.

Serge Aurier will almost certainly take Trippier’s spot in the starting XI, but the jury is still out on whether Rose comes in for Davies.

Personally, I feel strongly that Davies should play if he’s fighting fit. However, I can foresee Pochettino freshening things up by giving Rose a rare chance to impress in the Premier League.

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

Son Heung-Min was visibly distraught in the immediate aftermath of Wednesday’s anguishing defeat and could be given a rest to recover, both physically and emotionally. A comedown of that severity can adversely affect a player of Son’s emotional sensitivity. If Son doesn’t start, either Lucas Moura or Erik Lamela will get the nod.

I think it’s time for Pochettino to provide our latest signing with his long-awaited Premier League début and wouldn’t be surprised to see Moura from the onset.

Next: Bournemouth vs. Tottenham: no time for self-pity

Toby Alderweireld is back in first-team training but no return date has been set for the maligned centre back. He’s still a valued member of the team and his presence, as we found out against Juventus, is required for battles against sides of Juventus’ expertise and pedigree.