Tottenham travel to Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday night aiming to secure a victory that would represent a big step towards reaching the Champions League knock-out stages.
Spurs currently sit second in Group E and taking three points off of their German counterparts will see the north Londoners tighten their grip on a qualifying spot.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side tend to travel well – and are typically tough to beat away from home – but go into the game without the services of defender Toby Alderweireld.
Pochettino is expected to shuffle his pack in Germany with Spurs facing a daunting run of fixtures in the next few weeks but Europe’s elite competition is an unforgiving place and there will be little room for error.
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Alderweireld is out of the game with a knee injury. The extent of the 27-year-old’s problem is not yet known and Kevin Wimmer appears to be the most likely candidate to fill in for the Belgian.
However, Eric Dier could have eyes for a central defensive role as well given that he is unlikely to force his way into Pochettino’s new 4-1-4-1 system ahead of Victor Wanyama.
Mousa Dembele is fit but perhaps a test as big as this one will come too soon for him to stake a significant claim for a place in the starting line up.
Heung-min Son only played 19 minutes against West Brom at the weekend, which suggests he has been saved for a forward role against his former club ahead of Vincent Janssen.
Competition for places on the flanks is fierce with Moussa Sissoko and Erik Lamela hoping to retain their places but Pochettino could opt to make a number of changes.
Former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez is the most recognisable face in Leverkusen’s line up while Hakan Calhanoglu’s threat from set pieces needs no introduction.
Roger Schmidt’s team have made an inconsistent start to their domestic season but are an accomplished European side and will not be content with a point.
(London Evening Standard)
