Tottenham V Monaco Talking Points - will Wembley make or break Spurs?

13 September 2016 19:36

Tottenham host Monaco tomorrow in their first Champions League appearance since 2011 and here we analyse some of the key issues - namely the wisdom of playing their Euro games at Wembley, not down the Lane.

1. How will Radamel Falcao perform?

The Colombian striker recently returned to Monaco's first team after almost two years on loan at Manchester United and Chelsea. He struggled throughout his time in England, where having arrived with such a big reputation he is remembered as a significant disappointment. Monaco are confident he is rediscovering his form and fitness, so will he prove himself once more?

2. Will Mauricio Pochettino rotate?

Spurs' strength in depth is often overlooked, but their options are impressive. That Pochettino did not rotate his players enough last season perhaps contributed to their decline towards its conclusion. He has strengthened his squad with the recruitment of Vincent Janssen, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Sissoko, so given Champions League football has increased the demands placed on them, he would be wise to use it. Wednesday's fixture will bring the first indication of his intentions.

3. Will Spurs recall Mousa Dembele?

The classy midfielder is yet make a first-team appearance this season, having been suspended for Spurs' opening fixtures. He is again available, however, and given Pochettino is known to value him and that Spurs have been less convincing in the final third since Wanyama has replaced him alongside Eric Dier at the base of midfield, he could be recalled. A potential lack of match fitness means that could represent a risk, particularly in changing a winning team.

4. How will Tottenham adjust to Wembley Stadium?

Since the national stadium was re-developed and re-opened in 2007, Spurs have won there only once. Their 2-1 defeat of Chelsea in the 2008 League Cup final brought one of their few trophies of the modern era, but since then they have lost there in the 2009 final to Manchester United, to Portsmouth and Chelsea in the 2010 and 2012 FA Cup semi-finals, and again to Chelsea in the 2015 League Cup final. Spurs' experiences there have been largely negative, and in important fixtures. They will need to overlook that history.

5. How will they cope with the bigger pitch?

Pochettino has already discussed drilling his players at their training ground on a pitch that matches Wembley's dimensions. There is little question White Hart Lane's has so far suited them: the manager's high-intensity and pressing tactics have flourished on the smaller pitch. They will have to work harder to press Monaco as effectively: if not, their visitors may thrive.

Source: PA-WIRE