Match-ups that are going to decide Tottenham vs Wolves

1 of 4

Tottenham Hotspur’s Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gestures during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Bromwich Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 7, 2021. (Photo by Julian Finney / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by JULIAN FINNEY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

When the Spurs host Wolverhampton Wanders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday, it will be a battle of will to see who can assert themselves and take control of the game. Since Jose Mourinho left, Tottenham Hotspur has tried to be more assertive with the ball and play from the front foot, as do the Wolves. With similar styles and approaches, it will be the match-ups that determine who comes out with the three points. Here are the four match-ups that will decide the Spurs vs Wolves game, that means so much to Spurs.

Who does Tottenham pair with Højbjerg?

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg was supposed to come in and transform the Tottenham midfield, adding the defensive steel the team had lacked since losing Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele. While Højbjerg got off to a good start playing next to Moussa Sissoko, the relentless schedule eventually caught up with both men.

Sissoko has faded from the rotation, last being seen as a substitute in the Carabao Cup final but Højbjerg – like the Energizer bunny – keeps going and going. The problem has been finding the right partner to put next to the Dane.

Sissoko worked early in the season. Harry Winks has worked at times in games where the Spurs want to be on the ball passing like they will Sunday. For a while, Højbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele looked like the next coming of Wanyama and Dembele – but consistency has evaded the pair.

Ultimately, Pierre’s limitations as a passer have meant Tottenham has not gone with a lone six all season, preferring the double pivot in front of a back four. Sunday will be the next chance for someone to work alongside Højbjerg and hopefully balance the Spurs play. Finding that right balance next to the Dane is priority one for Spurs and is something only Ryan Mason and staff can answer.

Beyond the line-up and formation of the Tottenham midfield, here are the three other match-ups that will determine Sunday’s game.