Tottenham Hotspur vs Inter Milan - Combined XI

Tottenham Hotspur play hosts to Inter Milan on matchday five in a do or die clash as their Champions League hopes dangle by the thread. With only one victory in the last four games, it's imperative for Mauricio Pochettino's men to claim all three available points at Wembley to harbour any hopes of progressing to the next round.

However, against a resilient Nerazzurri side, it's easier said than done. Inter produced a remarkable comeback in the first-leg at the San Siro as Mauro Icardi and Matias Vecino scored in the last five minutes to consign Spurs to a heartbreaking loss. And barring the defeat to Barcelona, their first European campaign in six years has been otherwise impressive.

Now only a point on Wednesday would be enough to progress to the last 16.

Tottenham Hotspur versus Inter Milan is one of the underrated fixtures to have produced plenty of sparks whenever the sides clashed, and now with so much at stakes, this one too is worth looking forward to.

Here's how Spurs and Inter would look in a combined XI:

Goalkeeper: Samir Handanovic

Handanovic is Inter's reliable last line of defence

Even though Inter are yet to keep a clean sheet in Europe, Handanovic has been influential to their hopes with prolific goalkeeping. The Slovenian has produced six saves in four appearances and maintained seven clean sheets in 13 league games too.

He has come up with some stunning saves this season and especially in the European games, has risen to the challenge. Handanovic doesn't hesitate to charge out of his line to clear any danger while his impeccable passing range helps Inter build from the back. His interventions will be crucial in this tie and confirm a place in the next round.

Left-back: Ben Davies

Davies continues to deliver despite lacking his best form

Last season, few left-backs in the Premier League could rack up as stellar numbers as Davies. And even though he's currently a notch below that blazing form, he has already assisted once in the Champions League. His offensive penchant also helped average almost two key passes a game, while Davies has been sound defensively too with 2 average clearances and 1.5 interceptions per game.

Centre-back: Stefan De Vrij

De Vrij has already become an indispensable player for Inter

The Dutch centre-back has brought immense solidity and robustness to Inter's backline, justifying their £36 million outlay in his acquisition from league rivals Lazio. De Vrij averages two tackles per game in this competition whilst a great vision of things sees him make almost four clearances too.

If there is the need, he also charges out of his zone to get the ball up and has also netted once so far. However, in the Champions League, he assisted Matias Vecino in scoring the winner against Spurs in the opening game.

Centre-back: Milan Skriniar

Skriniar has garnered interest from EPL champions Manchester City

The mortar to De Vrij's brick, Skriniar complements his Dutch ally with a great sense of positional awareness as well as impressive passing range. He averages four tackles and clearances each per match and also likes to dribble the ball out of danger.

Right-back: Danilo D'Ambrosio

D'Ambrosio has got off to a strong start to the campaign

Kevin Trippier's unfortunate injury means there are few options left in this department. However, D'Ambrosio has been impressing at the back for Inter this season and would be important in dealing with Heung-min Son. He's also good in the air and holds on to the ball well. The Italian international forays forward on occasion, and has also bagged a goal in the league.

Defensive midfielder: Matias Vecino

Vecino has been a great protective cover for Inter

The Uruguayan international turned in good shifts for La Celeste at the World Cup and has now carried the form into the new season for the Nerazzurri. His pairing with Marcelo Brozovic at the base of the midfield is quite underrated though he's heavily involved defensively.

He averages 3 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game. Vecino has also scored and assisted once each in the Champions League so far, showing glimpsing his offensive abilities too.

Attacking midfielder: Heung-min Son

Son has been weighed down by international commitments

Having played a heroic role in South Korea's promising World Cup campaign and then guiding them to the Asia Cup glory in September, it's been quite a hectic last few months for the Spurs star. However, he returned to the fold for Tottenham and would be crucial to the fixture's outcome.

Owing to the excruciating international duties, he hasn't been able to hit the throttle so far, netting and assisting only once in the league whereas contributing to a further goal in the Champions League. But time and again, Son has come up trumps for Spurs in desperate situations like this. Inter have a huge task of keeping him in check.

Attacking midfielder: Christian Eriksen

Eriksen hasn't replicated his best form yet

The Danish talisman may be yet to hit the heights of last season but has registered six assists in all competitions. And the only goal he's bagged so far came against Wednesday's opponents in the San Siro leg.

He has appeared knackered on many an occasion this season and yet to clinch his prolific best. But Eriksen remains as crucial to their hope as ever as his creativity would be instrumental in breaking Inter open.

Attacking midfielder: Matteo Politano

Politano has been a good addition in Inter's ranks

Inter Milan seem to have pulled off one of the signings of the season with Politano, as the 25-year old has already made a big impact with the San Siro club. Chipping in with two goals and three assists in the league, he's also started in all four Champions League games so far and caught attention with his speed and impressive passing range.

Politano averages almost two key passes in every game even though he is yet to open his account in Europe. However, he has forged a great understanding with his attacking cohorts and could be the secret sauce for Inter in this fixture.

Striker: Mauro Icardi

Icardi has continued from where he left off last term

The Nerazzurri weren't exactly the favourites to progress to the next round, but thanks to Icardi's timely interventions and crucial strikes, they are on the verge of a first Champions League knockout round appearance since 2012. The Argentine ace has struck thrice so far - one each against Tottenham, PSV and Barcelona to lift Inter out of the lurch on each occasion.

In the league too, with seven goals and two assists in 10 appearances, Icardi is helping Spaletti's side float around Champions league places again and would fancy his chances of finding the net again at Wembley.

Striker: Harry Kane

Kane bounced back from his slump to fire at all cylinders again

The England star literally saved Tottenham's chances in the last game to Eindhoven by striking twice in the final 10 minutes to keep their Champions League hopes alive. With another goal against Chelsea at the weekend, he seems to be peaking again and the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

The Lillywhites have to pick up a point against Inter by hook or by crook as a defeat would virtually end their Champions League run. And if there's someone who can prevent that from happening, that has to be Kane.