No time to rest for Pochettino

MAURICIO Pochettino knows he cannot afford to rest his big guns tonight.

The Tottenham manager would like to give players such as Harry Kane, below, Christian Eriksen and Jan Vertonghen – who is one booking away from a ban – a night off with Saturday’s trip to unbeaten leaders Manchester City in mind.

City have an 18-point lead over Pochettino’s side who face a fight to qualify for the Champions League.

But he said: “The most important game is Brighton. We need to win and if some players show they are a little bit tired it is maybe best to avoid problems and play with another.

“If I rest players, it could seem like we are not focusing on them and I don’t want to make that mistake. We need to fight, be consistent and win.”

Spurs have failed to beat Swansea, West Brom and Burnley at home and have already written off their title pursuit. Pochettino said: “I feel disappointed as the gap is massive. But at the end only one team can win and the gap is big.

“We will see what happens, a lot can change. If Man City are so good and have a massive gap to win the league we have to congratulate them. At the moment they are doing well but we must fight and believe.” Chris Hughton, the Brighton manager and former Spurs defender, hopes that playing at Wembley will inspire his players. Hughton is looking for the sort of display that came close to earning a point at Manchester United last month.

“You want them to approach every game exactly the same but I don’t think you’d be human if the appeal of an Old Trafford or Wembley didn’t excite you that little bit extra if you haven’t played there before,” he said.