Tottenham team update and starting 11 vs Middlesbrough

Who will Jose Mourinho turn to as Tottenham get straight back to business with their FA Cup replay against Middlesbrough at home tomorrow? 

Team update

All remains the same since the last team update. Moussa Sissoko, Harry Kane, Hugo Lloris, Michel Vorm, Ben Davies and, most likely, Tanguy Ndombele are all unavailable for selection. However, Lloris and Davies are nearing their all-anticipated returns to the first team.

Starting 11

After a brilliant début, everyone is expecting Mourinho to give Japhet Tanganga his second successive start for Spurs. Let’s hope it’s in Toby Alderweireld’s place. The stalwart centre back has played relentlessly lately and could do with a rest. A home encounter with Middlesbrough provides a perfect opportunity for him to enjoy a brief reprieve.

Son Heung-Min starts up front. Although I’d love to see Troy Parrott get the nod, Tottenham must concentrate on getting this much-needed result, and starting the youngster is too risky. Erik Lamela might not start due to his lack of match fitness, but he certainly deserves to play from the onset. If he is healthy and fit, expect him to line up beside Lucas Moura and Dele Alli in the attacking third of the pitch.

Giovani Lo Celso better start. He has been fantastic lately and needs the opportunity to show what he can offer from the opening kickoff. Lo Celso plays in front of Winks, offering an option to the Englishman out of defensive midfield. Lo Celso will want to dictate the tempo and showcase his range of passing against the Championship side. The back four, other than Tanganga’s inclusion, is pretty much as you’d expect. Danny Rose endured yet another miserable performance against Liverpool, and should start on the bench.

I don’t see Mourinho employing three centre backs for this one.

Tottenham must take a foothold, dictating the play while dominating possession. It’s crucial Spurs boss every facet of this game in front of a massively partisan crowd. The supporters require an uplifting result going into the next Premier League encounter.