With star striker Harry Kane out injured, Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has a difficult tactical problem to solve at Manchester United on Saturday.
The Argentine has shown in recent weeks a real flair for creativity, coming up with a number of shapes and systems to guide Spurs to success. Here, we look at four different approaches the Argentine could take.
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FORMATION: 3-5-2
LINE-UP: Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Eriksen, Winks, Alli, Aurier; Llorente, Son
Pochettino has not been scared to use a back three throughout his time in charge, surprisingly doing this for the first time this season during the 1-1 draw at holders Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier in October.
This shape would allow front men Son Heung-min and Fernando Llorente to play in tandem, while also allowing Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen to play centrally.
FORMATION: 4-2-3-1
LINE-UP: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Aurier; Sanchez, Dier; Eriksen, Alli, Son; Eriksen; Llorente
This is the shape which has brought Spurs so much joy under Pochettino.
United target Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez could provide a screen in midfield, allowing the front four and the full-backs to push on when in possession. But the absences through injury of Mousa Dembele and Victor Wanyama – the usual figures for the middle pairing – may see it ignored at Old Trafford.
FORMATION: 4-4-2
LINE-UP: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Eriksen, Dier, Alli, Sissoko; Son, Llorente
Sorry Liverpool and shell-shocked centre-back Dejan Lovren can attest to the potency of this formation.
Harry Kane and Son caused all sorts of problem in last weekend’s 4-1 slaughtering. The former will be missing against United, but Llorente should be happy in this shape.
Intensity is the key to making this style work. Its absence was telling in the embarrassing loss from two-goals up against West Ham in the EFL Cup in midweek.
FORMATION: 4-4-1-1
LINE-UP: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Son, Dier, Eriksen, Sissoko; Alli; Llorente
This could be the perfect way to get at United.
The hosts are likely to play a right-winger at left-back, meaning Son should have ample opportunity to cause devastation when cutting inside.
Alli is happy playing in the hole for club and country. He will look to distract Red Devils holding midfielder Nemanja Matic and take advantage of the giant Llorente’s excellent hold-up play.