Tottenham Hotspur go into Jose Mourinho’s first Champions League match in charge of the club against Olympiacos knowing that three points will take them through to the knockout stages of the competition.
It was something that looked potentially in doubt following a draw with Olympiacos and a home thrashing by Bayern Munich, but successive big victories against Red Star Belgrade have put them back in the driving seat to finish as likely runners-up to Bayern Munich in Group B.
Of course, since then Mauricio Pochettino has been axed and replaced by Jose Mourinho, who got his reign off to a winning start with a 3-2 success against arch-rivals West Ham United at the London Stadium at the weekend.
Will the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager make any changes for this one though?
Here is the XI we think the 56-year-old will select against the Greek giants at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
At times – especially this season – Pochettino has been something of a tinker man, but we don’t foresee too many changes from Mourinho for this one.
In fact, we only expect Ben Davies to be replaced by Danny Rose because of the knock he picked up against the Irons that saw him replaced, with Paulo Gazzaniga, Toby Alderweireld and Davinson Sanchez all keeping their spots.
There is another change in the other full-back role though, as we believe the Portuguese Head Coach will give Kyle Walker-Peters a chance to show what he can do in place of Serge Aurier, in what would be his first appearance since September.
Ahead of the backline, we expect Tanguy Ndombele to partner Eric Dier in midfield with Harry Winks dropping to the bench, while we think Mourinho will also pick exactly the same front four who impressed against West Ham – Son Heung-min, Dele Alli, Lucas Moura and Harry Kane.
[ad_pod ]
That of course means there is still no room in the XI for Giovani Lo Celso – who was an unused substitute against Manuel Pellegrini’s men – and Ryan Sessegnon, who was left out altogether in east London.
In other news, lots of Tottenham fans think Pochettino favourite could be on his way after Mourinho’s comments…
