In a game of huge importance in the title race, the Argentine boss has switched things up from midweek.
Despite losing the Champions League clash 4-3, they will be looking to replicate the same kind of spirit that saw them reach the quarter-finals on away goals (4-4 aggregate).
While Tottenham supporters looked to see how their team lined up in comparison to Wednesday, they couldn’t believe who was named on the bench.
Forgotten man Vincent Janssen is in the match day squad and hasn’t played for the first team since August 2017.
Harry Kane’s ankle ligament damage has left Spurs slightly short in attack and with a few other casualties, the Dutchman was given the nod.
Tottenham fans were absolutely baffled on social media when they saw his name included at 11:30am.
“Vincent Janssen on the bench. We’re taking the p***,” he tweeted.
Another put: “JANSSEN 90TH MINUTE WINNER INBOUND.”
A third fan freaked out: “JANSSEN ON THE BENCH AHHHHHHH.”
“Does Janssen even have a kit number lads of is he gonna wear a blank shirt,” another joked.
Pochettino said back in February that the 24-year-old would be reintegrated back into the first team for the rest of the season.
“When we now have two free places, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou going to Monaco and [Mousa] Dembele to China, he’s going to be on the list,” he said.
“That is my decision, that he’s going to be involved with the first team from today.”
Tottenham are currently in third place but need the points to help consolidate a top four finish.
With Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all breathing down their necks, losing the match at the Etihad Stadium could prove costly.
Liverpool will be watching on hoping that Spurs can get a result which would see the title race fall back into their hands.