Opinion: How “creative” will Pochettino be against Olympiacos in the CL?

In preparation for the game on Tuesday, Pochettino has stated that he will need to be “creative” with his team selection.

He said: “Of course be ready, because I’m going to rotate the squad and the team and try to be creative on Tuesday.”

He also said in an interview with Spurs TV that he needs to use the whole squad and that “every player needs to feel that they will have an opportunity to play.”

So, it may be tricky this week to predict a Tottenham team. Will it be a back 3 or a back 4? How many players returning from injury will start? Will Troy Parrott get his debut?

However, it is worth remembering that this is still a Champions League game against a team unbeaten in six games. We need a strong start and Pochettino will not underestimate this opposition, but I think he will make at least five changes.

Keeper: Lloris should still retain his spot after being a spectator for most of the game against Palace.

Defence: I think that Pochettino will keep the centre back pairing of Toby and Jan with Davies on the left and KWP at right back.

Holding Midfield: I think Pochettino will start with Ndombele and partner him with either Wanyama or Dier. Personally, I would choose Dier so that the team can change to a back three if needed.

Attacking Midfield: Alli, Lucas and Sessegnon. Alli needs to start picking up minutes and getting an hour here might be the way to go. Lucas is a great option and his pace may be key in getting something from this tricky fixture. Giving Sessegnon his debut in the Champions League may be a bit of a gamble, but if Pochettino really is being creative then in order to rest Son, Lamela, and Eriksen, Sessegnon is the only fit wide player left.

Striker: Harry Kane. It’s the first Champions League game. Pochettino is very likely to start Harry Kane and the forward will want to start. However, Pochettino will need to bring him off around the 60/70 minute mark if he is going to be as fresh as possible for the next Premier League game.

Potential Subs: It would be wise to take a strong bench, such as Eriksen, Son, Aurier etc. But I would assume that one of Dier or Wanyama will be on the bench with Gazzaniga, and hopefully, Parrott and Skipp will be there as well!

This starting line would enable Pochettino to make seven changes whilst still having a strong starting eleven that would hopefully be able to kick off the Champions League campaign with the maximum three points!

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