PREM: Tottenham v Man City preview
Tottenham v Manchester City preview
Tottenham Hotspur tackle Manchester City in a Monday night clash at Wembley and both sides could have key players back in their starting line-ups.
Dele Alli should be available for Spurs after missing four games with a hamstring injury, while City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne - who made his first start of the season in a midweek Champions League win - is poised to make a domestic return.
The Premier League clash will take place at the national stadium just hours after an NFL game between Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles.
But while De Bruyne has voiced concerns about the playing surface, Pochettino and counterpart Pep Guardiola were more philosophical in their assessment.
"It is what it is," said Guardiola. "I am sure Tottenham have a good [groundsman]. Hopefully Tottenham can finish their stadium as quickly as possible, but it is not necessary to complain. We have to adapt."
"It wasn't the plan but we need to accept the reality," Pochettino said. "We hope that the weather will be good and not kill the pitch and we can play in a very good condition."
City go into the weekend two points ahead of their opponents in fifth and Guardiola, who was full of praise for Pochettino's side when he faced the media, expects it to remain tight at the top of the table.
"I don't have a doubt about that," he said. "Tottenham are always there.
"Tactically, they are very well prepared. They are one of the teams I like the most to watch - I learn when I see them. They have a young team, good 'keeper, striker, everything to be there (at the top)."
While Alli is back in contention after four games out, Danny Rose (groin) and Jan Vertonghen (hamstring) continue to receive treatment and will miss the Wembley clash.
Fabian Delph (knee) and Ilkay Gundogan (hamstring) are doubtful for City, while Danilo is likely to be absent with an ankle knock sustained on international duty.
Goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is a long-term absentee (Achilles).