Tottenham probable starting 11 home to Crystal Palace
By Gary Pearson
The painstaking wait for Premier League action to resume is almost over, as Tottenham prepare to host rivals Crystal Palace.
The international break was once again a thorn in Mauricio Pochettino’s side, with Giovani Lo Celso suffering a hip injury that will keep him out of the lineup for about six weeks. While that specific case was detrimental to Tottenham, the week break gave Tanguy Ndombele, Ryan Sessegnon, Kyle Walker-Peters and Eric Dier more time to recover from their respective injuries.
Here’s how we see Spurs’ lining up come Saturday morning at Selhurst Park.
Dele Alli is preferred to Lucas Moura, though Pochettino might decide to go with the Brazilian. Alli is back to full health but his match fitness still leaves a lot to be desired. If he doesn’t start, Dele will almost certainly come on in the second half.
Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min’s spots are guaranteed in the first team, both of whom provide too much attacking nous to exclude. Christian Eriksen is a Palace killer and should take his spot in the heart of midfield. The Dane is lethal against “lesser opponents,” and has a knack for coming up with a big goal in such contests.
Tanguy Ndombele will return from a two-match injury absence to partner Eriksen centrally. He’ll given instructions to get forward more often and push the tempo, leaving Harry Winks to clean up any messes. Having Ndombele back is brilliant news for a Spurs side in need of their tireless engine room.
Hopefully Ben Davies gets his first start of the young campaign. Danny Rose endured a miserable outing against Arsenal and deserves to sit on the pine for Saturday’s affair.
Davies is suited well to perform against Palace. Sessegnon, who is almost fully recovered from a lingering hamstring issue, will very soon be in the running to contest Davies and Rose.
Walker-Peters should also be back from an injury layoff. If he isn’t good to go, expect to see Moussa Sissoko experimented in the right back role. Davinson Sanchez endured a horrific time at the Emirates and should be excluded from proceedings.
Dier and Juan Foyth are expected to return to the lineup soon, but won’t be risked this weekend.