Tottenham team update and starting 11 vs. Norwich

Option 1

Better suited as an attacking midfielder, Lucas Moura lines up on the right side in support of Dele Alli. Moura thrives when driving with pace at the opposition. Holding up play with his back to goal belies his skill set. Hopefully he isn’t employed as Tottenham’s lone front man.

While Son Heung-Min is also better when driving at defenders, he is slightly more attuned to, as the lone striker, including his teammates. Dele Alli, whose frustration spilled over after being withdrawn at Watford, plays in his preferred position.

Erik Lamela endured an ineffective afternoon at Watford but is full value for another start.

Giovani Lo Celso was both the fulcrum and pivot on Saturday. He needs more time in the first team and is perfectly suited to boss proceedings and dictate play against a side whose away struggles are well documented.

There is an argument for starting Eric Dier to shore up the rearguard. However, Dier’s defensive, dogged attributes shouldn’t be required at home against Norwich. Famous last words. Japhet Tanganga, after playing three matches in his first full week at the senior, deserves a rest. His confidence might be slightly fragile after an experiential test at Watford.

Davinson Sánchez is preferred over Jan Vertonghen, who could also use a rest after a frenetic week. And Ryan Sessegnon, an offensive-minded left winger/left back, can use his breakneck pace to put Norwich on the back foot. It’s also a good opportunity for the teenager to drive forward fearlessly, working on his drained confidence and deliveries into the box. Though Jose Mourinho is averse to having Sessegnon on the left side of defence, so Jan might get the nod. We all know Danny Rose isn’t exactly favoured.

Option 2 – Fernandes starts

Two major alterations headline this starting 11. Gedson Fernandes gets his first start for the club. Employed as a holding midfielder against Norwich, Gedson will get to showcase his versatility while spraying the ball around from a deep position. He and Lo Celso can interchange when required, so long as one of them creates a buffer in front of the back line.

Jan Vertonghen adds sturdiness, experience and more defensive nous to a fairly flamboyant and offensive-minded side.

I’m not sure Jose will have the bravado to start such a talented, offensive side. He’ll most likely opt for a more conventional midfield devoid of Fernandes. But what better time than to employ a flair-filled side than at home against a struggling Norwich side?

Would you change anything about Spurs’ prospective starting teams and do you think option 2 is too risky or a calculated lineup based on all factors?