Tottenham: Drop Paulinho, Play Two Up Top And Inject Some Energy Into The Side To Beat Fulham

After playing Manchester City and then Manchester United in consecutive weeks, Tottenham will be happy to travel to Fulham to take on the Cottagers who have lost six in a row in all competitions. But with a new man at the helm, Rene Meulensteen, it could prove to be a tricky affair. Here is what I would do if I was Andre Villas-Boas.

Firstly, I would inject a load of energy into the Spurs side. Fulham are a side who are packed with luxury players who struggle to grasp a workman’s attitude, so if Spurs can zip the ball around the pitch with pace and get their movement going then that will give them the advantage straight away.

Secondly, I would go two up top in order to get the best out of Soldado. The Spaniard is a fox in the box but has struggled to link up with the midfield when playing the lone striker role, so with the energy of Defoe and a different shape in midfield it could help. Also, Fulham have conceded 22/24 of their goals from inside the box, so Soldado should be licking his lips.

Lastly, I would drop Paulinho. The Brazilian is a good player to have in your side when you are away from home against a side who are going to dominate you in the middle but I think against lesser opposition he holds Spurs back. He had a stinker against Manchester United, also, so it maybe time for him to be rested.