Pochettino indicates that Premier League is ‘most important’ – and will name his best team against Bournemouth

Tottenham Hotspur will face two very different matches in the next week, first visiting Bournemouth in the Premier League, before flying to the Netherlands to take part in a Champions League final.

However, each match is just as important as the other. A win against Bournemouth would confirm a top-four spot for Spurs next year, along with a Champions League place and the money that comes with that.

Similarly, a win against Ajax could bring many benefits, including a place in the Champions League final, and a shot at winning the entire competition.

So, the question arises, does Pochettino rest players against Bournemouth ahead of the semi-final, or does he prioritise getting a top four spot?

In theory, Spurs could rest their first team this weekend, go and beat Ajax, and then secure top four on the final day of the season at home to Everton.

Who knows, Spurs could even rest vital players against the Cherries and still get the win to wrap up the top four this weekend.

Either way, Pochettino has made it clear that Premier League is the priority, and he will be playing a strong team in an attempt to beat Bournemouth on Saturday.

He said (Football London): “We’re assessing the players today. The most important thing is that we will decide the best team to try to win, but that’s not to be sure we’ll win. Looked what happened against West Ham and Ajax. That shows me we’re learning a lot. It’s not about the names. When you ask me why I rotate, play one or another. With one or another player we can win or lose. It’s about the spirit of the team. On Saturday we’ll put the best players with the best energy to try to win.

“To be right and win and be in the top four at the end of the season is the most important thing for us. We need to be tough, all together because we know the Premier League is always difficult. We need to be ready, it’s the only way. We cannot talk to much, just be there and be ready to compete in our best, starting from the beginning like that. Not waiting and conceding a goal, like Ajax, and then start competing after.”

Spurs Web Opinion:

I believe that Tottenham should gamble to a degree. I would rest the likes of Sissoko, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Eriksen, and Son for the match against Bournemouth this weekend, leaving them fresh to face Ajax. If Spurs manage to beat the Cherries anyway, then great, if not, they can go again against Everton. The whole point of reaching a top-four spot is to qualify for the Champions League, so what is the point not prioritising that competition when you’re in the semi-finals? I say gamble and go for glory.

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