Following an impressive 4-0 win over Preston North End in the third round of the FA Cup, which saw Armando Broja, Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernandez all etch their names onto the scoresheet in the second half, the manager will be hoping to use that match as the perfect blueprint heading to Boro’s Riverside Stadium, as he looks to improve on a sluggish first-half display.

Speaking to the media, Pochettino refused to underestimate the task ahead of his side, with the boss expecting a tough encounter with second-tier Middlesbrough in front of their home support.

‘Tuesday is such an important game,’ explained Pochettino.

‘Middlesbrough are a very good side that we need to respect. The game [against Preston] was a great example that we need to respect every opponent.

‘If we go to Middlesbrough and we start the game as we started on Saturday [against Preston], we are going to find it more than difficult. We have to use Preston as an example where we need to start matches like we started the second half.’

Pochettino also praised Enzo, one of the goalscorers from Saturday evening, for his contribution during the 4-0 victory over Preston.

He continued: ‘After he was out for two weeks, it is important for him to be involved and have the possibility to start. It is good.

‘He should be an important player for us – and it’s always important to recover these players. I was happy with his attitude and commitment [against Preston].’

The boss also highlighted three players who could make their respective returns from injury at the Riverside, although no decision will be taken until he has overseen training later today at Cobham.

‘We are so close with some players like Chilwell, Badiashile and Chukwuemeka,’ Pochettino added.

‘But we need to see every day the evaluation and then it’s about whether we can include or not. But they are so close and always we use our experience to tell how players are performing in training.’