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Who does Tottenham start against Newcastle on Sunday?

By Gary Pearson

SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 21: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the International Champions Cup match between Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur at the Singapore National Stadium on July 21, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images)
SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE - JULY 21: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the International Champions Cup match between Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur at the Singapore National Stadium on July 21, 2019 in Singapore. (Photo by Thananuwat Srirasant/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham return home on Sunday to face bottom of the table Newcastle in a clash you’d expect the home side to dominate.

Mauricio Pochettino should feel confident enough to opt for a more offensive starting 11 when Steve Bruce’s side come calling. After escaping the Etihad with an improbable point, it’s incumbent upon Tottenham to demonstrate their ability to breakdown an opposing team whose game plan will be to sit back, frustrate and wait for a rare opportunity to counter.

Option 1

Spurs - Football tactics and formations
Spurs - Football tactics and formations /

Son Heung-Min has served his three-match ban and will return to the starting team, and Giovani is expected to get his first start since joining the Lilywhites a few weeks ago.

If Jan Vertonghen doesn’t start against Newcastle, I’m not sure when you’ll see him return to the starting 11. It’s a perfect opportunity, against an inferior team on paper, to get some much needed match time.

Juan Foyth is still nursing an injured ankle while speculation of Serge Aurier’s possible departure is ramping up. AC Milan is still in the market for a new right back, but Tottenham should be weary, considering how lean they are on the right flank, of selling the Ivorian.

Ryan Sessegnon is on the road to recovery and won’t be risked against the Magpies. However, Ben Davies is fully fit and might make his first start of the season. Harry Winks is capable of protecting the back four on his lonesome in this one, with Tanguy Ndombele and Christian Eriksen patrolling the middle of the park.

In this option Lo Celso plays is in a more advanced role, supporting Harry Kane while pairing up with Son to create havoc for the Newcastle rearguard. Though he doesn’t deserve to be left out, Lucas Moura gives way to Son and Lo Celso.

Option 2

Tottenham - Football tactics and formations
Tottenham - Football tactics and formations /

In this option Eriksen, for a listless performance against City, is left out of the team. Lo Celso takes up a more central role with Erik Lamela, deservedly so, retaining his starting position.

Son is a shoo-in to start, but Kane might be rested. Probably not, but Pochettino might rest Kane to spare him from being overworked at the start of the season. If that’s the case, expect Son to take his position and Moura to slide in behind. Moura and Lamela also make a tasty combination in supporting the lone man up front.