Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino is confident that he will be able to select his first choice centraldefensive pair of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld this weekend ahead of their clash against an improving Everton side.
The tie which sees the second-placed Spurs host seventh-placed Everton on Sunday looks to have all the makings of a classic as both sides have plenty to gain from taking all three points in this fixture.
However, Pochettino is hopeful that he will be able to select both of his Belgian defenders for the tie in order to slow down Everton's key man Romelu Lukaku.
As reported in the Telegraph, viaFootballTalk, Pochettino believes that both Alderweireld and Vertonghen could be paramount in stopping fellow Belgian international Romelu Lukaku from running rampant at White Hart Lane.
Lukaku has scored 11 goals in his last 13 games for the Toffees and will be hoping to continue his impressive form going into this fixture.
However, as Spurs defensive duo are familiar with their Belgian international teammate's style, Pochettino feels as though they will be key in stopping the 23-year-old.
Both Vertonghen and Alderweireld fitness is to be assessed over the next coming days and if both are passed fit expect Pochettino to utilise them in the fixture against Everton.