Tottenham's probable starting XI vs. Sunderland
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Expect Moussa Sissoko to get his first Tottenham start on Sunday
Tottenham host Sunderland on Sunday in a match that will give Spurs a chance to recover from their poor showing against Monaco. Expect Mauricio Pochettino to feature a very heavily rotated squad against the Black Cats.
Some fans might think that’s taking a risk. After all, dropping points at home to Sunderland would only increase the club’s “nose dive.” Count on the Spurs boss seeing past that sort of short-term philosophy.
Pochettino will understand that this season is a marathon, not a sprint. He has a club talented enough to compete on all fronts, but that can only happen if his stars get proper rest.
Playing one of the weakest sides in the Premier League in Sunderland, gives Tottenham a chance to rotate their squad. It does put the result somewhat at risk, but it’s one of Pochettino’s best opportunities to feature some bench players.
Read on to discover which 11 players Tottenham will start against Sunderland on Sunday at White Hart Lane.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld and Monaco’s Bernardo Silva
during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/CameraSport via Getty Images)
The Defense
While I expect Pochettino to heavily rotate the squad on Sunday, you may not see much sign of rotation in his back four. He really doesn’t have many options to work with.
Things would be different if Kevin Wimmer were fit. We’ve been left to guess at why he continues to be left out of the squad, but you can’t expect him to start on Sunday. As a result, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen should start as the starting central back pairing per normal.
More from Playing for 90
The left back position also seems to be an obvious call. Even if Danny Rose is passed fit, it wouldn’t make much sense to rush him back to action against Sunderland. Expect Ben Davies to get the starting nod again.
Right back is the only place along the backline that I think we might see a change. Kyle Walker has played a lot of football over the past 12 months, and certainly needs a break. Kieran Trippier gives Pochettino a reasonable option to replace him.
Unfortunately, I think Pochettino will choose to trot Walker out there one more time. Count on seeing the same back four used in the Monaco match again this weekend.
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 08: Victor Wanyama of Tottenham during the Tottenham Hotspur training session at Tottenham Hotspur training centre on September 8, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
The Defensive Midfield
Whereas Pochettino doesn’t have many choices for his back four, he’s blessed with a ton of options in his double-pivot. His choice of defensive midfielders might be his most interesting tactical move of the match.
It’s clear to me that Eric Dier desperately needs a rest. He’s looked fatigued all season long and I just can’t believe that Pochettino will start him this weekend. Expect Victor Wanyama to assume his place in the starting XI.
Alongside the Kenyan destroyer, I expect to see Moussa Dembele make his first start of the season. He looked very good in the second half against Monaco, and it’s time to get him back into the groove of starting every week. Don’t forget, he’s well rested after missing every Premier League match thus far due to suspension.
There’s a slight possibility that Moussa Sissoko could start this far back, but I don’t think Pochettino will make that choice after Alli’s struggles there against Monaco. Expect to see Wanyama and Dembele combine for one of the Premier League’s powerful defensive midfields.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur takes on Andrea Raggi of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The Attacking Midfield
Here’s another spot on the pitch where Spurs figure to have plenty of options on Sunday. There are several ways Pochettino could go with his attacking midfield trio.
The only player I think is a lock to start against Sunderland is Dele Alli. He was pretty good against Monaco and his manager will be keen to get him firing this season. The match against the Black Cats is a good opportunity for him to get on the score sheet.
Want your voice heard? Join the Playing for 90 team!
Erik Lamela also seems a strong bet to make the starting XI. He came off the bench against Stoke last weekend, so he hasn’t played quite as much football as some of the other choices. He’s another Spur who could stand to see the ball hit the back of the net.
The third attacking spot is where I believe Pochettino is poised to make a change. Christian Eriksen hasn’t done anything wrong. but he could use a match off. It gives the manager a perfect opportunity to give Moussa Sissoko his first Tottenham start. His energy and drive should prevent the Spurs attack from getting bogged down against a defensive Sunderland side.
Some may wonder why Son Heung-Min won’t get the start, but I think he’s ticketed for a bench appearance. Three starts in a row just seems a bit much for the Korean attacker.
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 14: Vincent Janssen of Tottenham Hotspur battles for the ball with Andrea Raggi of AS Monaco during the UEFA Champions League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and AS Monaco FC at Wembley Stadium on September 14, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
The Striker and The Keeper
Let’s get the obvious one out-of-the-way. Hugo Lloris is going to start in goal unless he sustains an injury between now and Sunday. There’s no chance we’re going to see the French captain rested this weekend.
On the other hand, I think Harry Kane is set to miss out for Spurs. In all honesty, I hope he doesn’t play a minute. Expect him to start the match on the bench, and to stay there if Tottenham establishes a comfortable lead in the second half.
Vincent Janssen, on the other hand, really needs some playing time. He hasn’t found the back of the net yet for his new club, and this weekend would be a great time to get that monkey off of his back.
It’s a simple call here really. Kane needs a rest, and Janssen needs significant match time. If Pochettino does anything other than start the Dutchman here, he’s making a very serious error in judgment.
This article originally appeared on 
