Tottenham will be facing CSKA Moscow away from home this Tuesday. After losing 2-1 at home to AS Monaco in front of a record crowd, the club will be looking to keep their European hopes in contention.
CSKA Moscow vs Tottenham Preview
Formation and Tactics
Both clubs will deploy in similar, 4-2-3-1 systems but with different ideologies. However, Spurs’ pressing tactic will be vital in limiting Alan Dzagoev’s creative spark, and harrying the antiquated centrebacks. It is important that Mauricio Pochettino encourages his players to siege Moscow’s defence early on to take the ascendancy. The club desperately needs all three points and so must be creating and scoring goals. This means that clinical and direct play is a must. In the previous Champions League match, Spurs lack of finishing led to their defeat.
Goalkeeper
Overall, there is a vast goalkeeping depth at Spurs. Hugo Lloris featured against Monaco, but Michel Vorm should still be in contention after his impressive Premier League performances. Meanwhile, Pau Lopez is yet to feature for Spurs, since his loan from RCD Espanyol. The only way that he will feature in this match is by resting Lloris, whilst Vorm and Lopez travel. The extra two days of rest that the Champions League provides compared to the Europa League, should ensure less of a European hangover. Therefore, Lloris has every chance of featuring, especially in this vital match.
Defence
Mauricio Pochettino must stick to his regular steadfast defence. This revolves around the stoic centre-back pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen who have brilliant technical ability and physical prowess to handle the likes of Lacina Traore. Kyle Walker and Danny Rose are the preferred choices at fullback for the match, however, Rose is left out of the squad due to injury. Therefore, Kevin Wimmer should make his return to the first team, pushing Vertonghen out to the left back. This ensures a backline that is tall, strong and able to deal with any threats.
Midfield
Lynchpin Eric Dier is another player that has not been risked by Pochettino. However, he would have been the first choice in terms of securing the midfield. Similarly, Mousa Dembélé is left behind due to injury. Instead, Victor Wanyama and Dele Alli can fill their places. As a result, the midfield is significantly lighter compared to the strong pairing of Dembélé and Dier. The different dynamic of Wanyama and Alli should still be successful, though. In terms of offence, Christian Eriksen should be the furthest central midfielder. His importance as a creative playmaker is one of the most vital elements in Tottenham’s midfield.
On the wings, Erik Lamela has recently impressed against Gillingham, with three assists and one goal. This leaves a straightforward decision to select Son. In terms of goals, Son should be selected as the most on-form player in the team. He is the best choice as he has been threatening defences the most recently. Georges–Kévin Nkoudou is useful as an impact sub to inject pace into a tiring match late on.
Attack
Should Son start up top? #COYS
— Tottenham Hotspur (@LWOS_Tottenham) September 25, 2016
Despite Harry Kane’s injury, there is some tactical flexibility remaining. Vincent Janssen is the most conservative choice, as a straight swap for Kane. Some criticism has befallen his limited performances so far, but this is far too premature. But, Heung-Min Son provides another option, who is in brilliant goalscoring form with 4 goals in his last three Premier League matches. He has been fielded as a number nine before, with some success, scoring two goals in the Europa League against FK Qarabag. A final option is to deploy both Son and Janssen together. If Spurs are struggling against Moscow, this radical change could transform the match.
Vasily Berezutski and Sergei Ignashevich have a combined age of 71. This is a key area that the Spurs attack must exploit. The creaking defence will not stand the pace of prolonged attacks from wingers such as Georges–Kévin Nkoudou and Son.
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