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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Rich Jones

Jose Mourinho's likely Tottenham line up as new boss prepares to spring surprise

Jose Mourinho could spring some surprises when he leads Tottenham into Champions League action for the first time tonight.

Spurs are firm favourites to claim a win over Olympiacos which would secure their spot in the knockout stages with one game still to play.

They saw off local rivals West Ham on Saturday to get the Mourinho era off to a winning start, but he could experiment with his squad as he continues to learn about his new players.

Whilst wholesale changes are not expected in a game which Spurs need to win, it would be a surprise to see Mourinho name an unchanged side as he manages his resources ahead of a busy festive period.

Mourinho is keen to convince some of Spurs' contract rebels to stay at the club, with left-back Danny Rose set to be brought in from the cold as a replacement for Ben Davies, who missed training on Monday due to an injury.

Christian Eriksen could also be handed a start in place of Lucas Moura having been utilised off the bench at the weekend as the Danish playmaker and Mourinho discover if they can be a match which could tempt him to stay.

He could also spring a surprise by handing Ryan Sessegnon a start on the left wing.

Contract rebels Christian Eriksen and Danny Rose could be brought in from the cold (Getty Images)

Mourinho was a big admirer of the youngster whilst he was Manchester United manager but a move never materialised.

He has experienced an injury-plagued start to his Spurs career but could be primed to make an impact under Mourinho, either in the starting line-up or off the bench.

Having talked-up the role youngsters will play in his system moving forwards, Kyle Walker-Peters might be given a chance to impress in place of Serge Aurier at right-back.

Mourinho could spring a surprise by handing Ryan Sessegnon a start (Getty Images)

It appears highly-rated striker Troy Parrott will not feature, however, having been left out of first-team training on Monday.

Talisman Harry Kane was fit to take part after a knock and Parrott is expected to spend this week with the Under-19s rather than Mourinho's side.

Young full-back Kyle Walker-Peters could also come in for Serge Aurier (NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX)

Summer signing Giovani Lo Celso was also on the bench at the weekend, but the playmaker might have to settle for a substitute appearance at best.

Mourinho is keen to rebuild the confidence of Dele Alli after a tough run, and with the England ace set to be central to his plans moving forwards, he should get the nod to start just behind the striker.

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