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Rob Guest

The starting XI changes Mauricio Pochettino could make for Carabao Cup game vs Colchester United

Tottenham are in action this evening as they face Colchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

The club's European commitments meant that they didn't enter the competition at the previous stage with the vast majority of Premier League clubs and they now face a trip to the JobServe Community Stadium to take on the League Two side.

Losing 2-1 late on against Leicester City on Saturday, it's imperative that Mauricio Pochettino's team get back to winning ways and ensure their name is in the hat for the fourth round draw.

The manager usually shuffles his pack in the Carabao Cup and he's likely to do the same once again as he looks to give his players minutes on the pitch.

Here we take a look at the changes Pochettino could make from the defeat at the King Power Stadium.

Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris missed the game against Brendan Rodgers' side after his wife gave birth and it's likely he will be absent again.

Pochettino tends to rest the Frenchman in the Carabao Cup and give Paulo Gazzaniga a chance between the sticks.

That means the Argentine will remain in the side from Saturday, with Alfie Whiteman continuing on the substitutes' bench.

Defence

Kyle Walker-Peters is in contention to return to the starting XI for the first time since coming off injured against Newcastle United back in August.

Seeing Davinson Sanchez start ahead of him last week in the Champions League against Olympiacos, the youngster is likely to get his chance with Pochettino rotating.

Ben Davies could also come back into the team on the opposite flank after Danny Rose started in the defeat at Leicester.

Eric Dier and Ben Davies celebrate following the Champions League win in Dortmund (Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images)

The game also gives the chance for the manager to rest one or both of Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld.

Sanchez looks a certainty to start, with then potentially Eric Dier or Japhet Tanganga coming into the side to partner the Colombian if both experienced defenders are absent.

Midfield

Spurs have a number of midfielders fighting it out for a place in the team and the game should give some of those chance to get some much-needed time on the pitch.

Dier desperately requires gametime after failing to feature in pre-season and the league so far this campaign, while Victor Wanyama needs minutes under his belt after remaining at the club when it looked like he would be on his way out over the summer.

Oliver Skipp made his debut in the competition last term at West Ham and it seems the perfect game to give him his first start of the season.

Christian Eriksen is another player who could start after his place on the bench at Leicester, while Dele Alli may also come in following his absence from the squad at the weekend.

Striker

Harry Kane looks in line to be given a rest after a busy start to the season for club and country.

Spurs fans are desperate for youngster Troy Parrott to be given his opportunity in the first team and he may be the man to come in and take the place of the England captain.

The Republic of Ireland ace looks set to be involved in the game after his goalscoring exploits, yet it remains to be seen if he will be in the starting XI or if he will come on from the bench later in the match.

Lucas Moura is also an option to play through the middle as he didn't start at Leicester and was only given four minutes at the end as the team looked for a way back into the game.

Pochettino also has Son Heung-min to select unless he decides to give the South Korean a rest ahead of the weekend.

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