Pochettino’s Tottenham vs. Newcastle presser: Probable starting 11

Tanguy Ndombele has been ruled out of Sunday’s team and Dele Alli is back in training as Tottenham prepare for a Magpie invasion on Sunday afternoon. 

Dele back in training, will not play

The gaffer, donning a Nike cap for the first time in recent memory, started the presser discussing Dele Alli’s health. The midfielder, favouring a strained hamstring, is training but, in my opinion, will not make an appearance in Sunday’s match. Pochettino said he will not decide on Dele’s participation until the final preparatory training session is completed. However, the gaffer would be silly to risk one of his stars at home to Newcastle. Pochettino is a lot of things, but silly is not one of them.

"“Like all the players, not only Dele. All the players need to be 100% to have the possibility to play and to be selected, if not it’s impossible,” the gaffer said."

Ndombele out of contention

Tanguy Ndombele is out of contention after suffering a minor thigh injury against City. Moussa Sissoko will likely step into his role against Newcastle, provided more of an incentive to get forward and put pressure on the Magpies’ backline.

The Son shines again on the Korean

Son, after serving a three-match ban, will almost certainly return to Tottenham’s starting 11. Unsurprisingly the gaffer said Son is training remarkably and is doing everything possible to remain sharp. Son’s return comes at a good time for Spurs, who will look to him to create time and space for the likes of Harry Kane, Lucas Moura, Erik Lamela and, hopefully, Giovani Lo Celso.

Regarding Lo Celso, Pochettino further tempered expectations. Based on his words and mannerisms in the presser, it’s unlikely Lo Celso will start on Sunday. Expect him to come off the bench to get some more match time in the second half.

Does Jan finally start?

At this stage, whether Jan Vertonghen starts on Sunday is anyone’s guess. Pochettino said his job is to make sure Tottenham, by starting the most fit, highest performing side, are provided the best opportunity to win. However, if there’s any match to offer Jan a lifeline, the opportunity to show his worth, it is on Sunday.

On the flip side, Pochettino is happy with Toby and Davinson’s progression as a pairing, and might opt to maintain consistency at the heart of defence. Toby and Davinson are building chemistry with each match, something starting Jan could disrupt.

Clear as mud, right? Well, for the sake of argument, I say Jan starts on Sunday, but I don’t stand by the prediction with total conviction.

Only two of the following three will start: Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Lucas Moura.

So, who gets the nod and who is left out in the cold? While it’s true that Eriksen was largely ineffective against City, he offers a creative outlet nobody can mirror. And against Newcastle, a side that will sit deep to try and frustrate Spurs, having Eriksen in the team is particularly beneficial.

In the sake of rotation and keeping things fresh, Ben Davies will get his first start at left back.