Preview & expected line-up vs West Ham

As we welcome our rivals to the Lane tomorrow, it represents another massive run of games for us. A league double over West Ham would strengthen our league position, especially considering United dropped points today - on top of increasing confidence in the dressing room with yet another victory.

Then, the Europa League tie away to Fiorentina, before arguably the biggest game of our season against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup Final.

To me, not losing any of these games would be a success, as it is vitally important we don't lose out on the two trophies we have a reasonable chance of winning.

Winning against West Ham tomorrow is key to the next few results, however, and with that in mind squad selection will be key.

Changing a winning formula?

If it isn't broke, don't fix it - however Pochettino may have to adapt the team considering the importance of the next few games.

After Eriksen's superhuman performances of late, his performance dropped in Thursday night - possibly as a result of tiredness. We should have enough strength in depth to overcome his absence against West Ham, with the resurgence of Dembele as an attacking force in the No.10 role, and maybe even Lamela starting there with Chadli and Townsend on the wings.

Harry Kane vs Soldado

Harry Kane has stolen the limelight and the headlines numerous times this season and deservedly so.

Despite Soldado's goal on Thursday - a very tidy finish - he struggles with the physicality of the league and the Hammers' centre back pairing would surely be relishing playing against the Spaniard.

This is why, for me, Soldado should not start against West Ham - it would show immense faith from Pochettino as well as being a huge boost to Soldado's confidence but with Kane's form and class being where it is, he has to start.

Furthermore Pochettino doesn't favour a two striker system and even when we played a 4-2-2-2 on Thursday it was ineffective.

Quotes

Pochettino
“We need to believe, to be focused and forget everything else, forget Fiorentina, forget the final and just focus on this game.”
“It’s another tough game, another derby and an important three points to play for,” said Mauricio. “It’s an opportunity for us but we need to be focused.”
“This is a different competition but always when a team has a defeat like that it’s difficult,” added Mauricio. “We expect a tough game. They are a good team and it’s a derby as well, but we’ll be ready.”

Rose
“West Ham are having a very good season, particularly compared to last year. They are a strong side with some good players and it’s another London derby here at the Lane, so it will be tough.
“We’re in good form though, we will look to play the same way we have been doing over the last few months and hopefully we can get three more points.
“The fans especially love a derby win so it will be great to do it for them again.”

Chadli
“We’re playing at home and we know that we can always take three points against any team at White Hart Lane, so it’s up to us to do the job against West Ham on Sunday,”
“Every game is tough but we’re ready for it. Hopefully we will play well and we’ll win the game.”

Expected starting XI

Lloris, Rose, Vertonghen, Dier, Walker, Mason, Bentaleb, Chadli, Dembele, Lamela, Kane.

 

I dont expect Eriksen to drop out of the line-up, even though he might be a bit tired as you mention. If hes not injured, he should play.

Lloris, Rose, Vertonghen, Dier, Walker, Mason, Bentaleb, Chadli, Dembele, Eriksen, Kane.

 

Eriksen second name behind Kane to start. Otherwise the only difficult decision is at left back but at home I would go for Rose as he is better going forward. The fact remains that if Kane got injured long term the season would be as good as over. He is better than playing with twelve and having both Soldado and Adebayer! Lamela needs to be left out as he adds so little and is a liability defensively. Team; Lloris, Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Rose, Benteleb, mason. Dumbbell. Shadily, Eriksen, Kane.

 

I feel Lamela has been developing very well and tracking back he also isn't as much of a liability as is popular to say.

 

I'd keep Soldado. Play Kane at No 10 in 4-2-3-1 still with Eriksen and Townsend on flanks.

 

Personally I would have played a full strength side v fiorentina at home in order to seek a more positive result meaning one or two more could have been rested today and possibly more so on Thursday with the cup final in mind.. To be fair MOPO has been getting a lot right of late so I'm guessing he is prioritizing the league so will be full
Strength v west ham id guess today.

 

Your spot on Josh - I lift my hat.

Would have preferred Eriksen started and then subbed of later in the game to preserve strength, but perhaps Poch is hoping for a late goal ... He should come on at some point I think.