Charlie Nicholas believes that Tottenham’s lack of a recognised striker could play perfectly into Wolves’ hands on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho is again without Harry Kane and Son Heung-min for the visit of a team who are only a point behind us in the table.
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Dele Alli could be recalled to help address the goal shortage – and utilised as the most advanced forward – but it is likely that Lucas Moura will be the man tasked with occupying the Wolves back line.
In his weekly Premier League predictions column for Sky Sports, Nicholas has highlighted how that could expose Spurs at both ends.
He wrote: “Lucas Moura, when he plays at No 9, must use his pace in behind – he is not a link-up player. You might have to bring Dele in for the craft and intelligence to get them going. It would be fairly easy for a back three of Wolves to defend against. This then gives the wing-backs the licence to drive forward. I do not see a good day for Tottenham here.”
Wolves have three strong centre-backs and Lucas is unlikely to have much joy up their on his own. Mourinho could partner him with Steven Bergwijn in a central two, as he did at Chelsea, to give him some support.
Two up top, albeit a makeshift two, would likely mean five at the back for Spurs, which would help combat the threat of the Wolves wing-backs which Nicholas alludes to above.
Ben Davies is about as effective offensively from wing-back as Lucas is up front. But he could be trusted to do a defensive job on Matt Doherty, through whom a lot of Wolves’ attacks go, while Serge Aurier is given even greater attacking freedom on the other flank.
Dilemma solved. This management lark is easy.
