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Who does Mauricio Pochettino start for must win Newcastle match?

By Gary Pearson

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Jose Izquierdo of Brighton and Hove Albion battles for possesion with Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at Amex Stadium on April 17, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 17: Jose Izquierdo of Brighton and Hove Albion battles for possesion with Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Tottenham Hotspur at Amex Stadium on April 17, 2018 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) /
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The likelihood of personnel changes, after Tottenham’s morale-sapping loss to West Brom, is high for Wednesday’s pivotal match against Newcastle.

Pressure is mounting on Mauricio Pochettino, especially after getting his team selection and tactics wrong at the Hawthornes on Saturday.

After an unsuccessful attempt at reinstating three centre backs, expect the gaffer to revert back to employing two in the heart of defence.

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Jan Vertonghen’s sprained ankle will almost assuredly keep him out of the lineup when the Magpies come calling.

Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sánchez will form Tottenham’s centre back partnership.

Serge Aurier is also injured and won’t be available.

Danny Rose will probably make way for Ben Davies, who, with the importance of the remaining games,  should start both.

The health of Mousa Dembele is also a prominent question on the mind of supporters. It’s unknown whether he’ll participate in Wednesday’s match. Erring on the side of caution, I assume the Belgian won’t be risked.

If Dembele is left out, Victor Wanyama and Eric Dier, who formed a partnership in midfield when the Belgian was injured last season, should reunite for the midweek match.

Spurs vs Newcastle - Football tactics and formations
Spurs vs Newcastle - Football tactics and formations /

Based on Saturday’s performance, I’d be crestfallen to see Erik Lamela included in Spurs’ starting 11. He was woeful and deserves a spot pitch-side, resting comfortably on the cushioned Wembley seats.

Deserving of a long overdue Premier League start, Lucas Moura was a breath of fresh air in his cameo appearance at the Hawthornes. The question is whether the gaffer leaves out Son Heung-Min so Moura gets his shot?

Or, alternatively, is Dele Alli sacrificed, providing an opportunity for both Son and Moura?

Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane – though the latter is enduring a poor run of form since returning from injury – are permanent fixtures in the side, and won’t be sidelined.

Next: Supporters calling for Pochettino's head should be ashamed

Spurs will finish third if they get the business done against Newcastle and Leicester. No matter who Pochettino selects, he needs his side to prove they can overcome the recent adversity that is engulfing the club.