Tottenham Hotspur travel to Bulgaria to face Locomotiv Plovdiv in the second round of qualifying for the Europa League this season, so who will Jose Mourinho select?
Tottenham Hotspur play a vital match in the quest for both silverware and a meaningful campaign as they travel to Bulgaria to face Locomotiv Plovdiv in the second round of Europa League qualifying. With a nearly full squad available to him, who will Jose Mourinho select and how will the team line up for this winner-advances, loser-goes-home match?
There is good news on the injury front as Giovani Lo Celso, who as a revelation following the restart for Spurs, is back in contention.
According to Tottenham Hotspur’s website and Jose Mourinho himself, the only real player that was definitely NOT available is Japhet Tanganga, who apparently has a nagging injury that will keep him out a couple weeks. With essentially a full squad available to him and the importance of advancing to the main competition, expect to see a strong team fielded by Mourinho and company.
Tottenham defense
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
Regardless of the competition, the magnitude of this game is such that the club captain and World Cup winner is the only choice between the sticks. Given the rough environment and need for leadership on the road, this is the obvious call. The hope would be Hugo does not have a lot to do, but if called upon, you want your best man there and that is Hugo Lloris.
Left Back – Ryan Sessegnon
We have been hearing rumors about the potential of a new left back coming into the squad but for this match, there is already a young left-sided player ready for the challenge in the squad in Ryan Sessegnon. I think Ben Davies is going to be given some opportunity to rest having played on the weekend. Additionally, Davies was not particularly good Saturday versus Everton and adding some speed to the backline is definitely helpful, so Sessegnon gets the call here.
Center-Half – Toby Alderweireld
Although Toby Alderweireld is the oldest of the center-halves in the squad and played on the weekend, he again gets the nod here, mostly because he is the team’s best left-sided center-half. While Eric Dier was provided to the media, I think he gets saved and the experience and leadership of Toby is the call.
Center-Half – Davinson Sanchez
The reason Toby is playing on the left is his partner is going to be Davinson Sanchez, who is solid on the right side of the center-half duo, but a bit suspect when played on the left. Sanchez sat out this past weekend at Everton and provides some additional muscle, pace, and power, that frankly no one else in the defense can.
Right Back – Matt Doherty
Although Matt Doherty played on the weekend and clearly ran out of gas, he actually gets a go again midweek. Serge Aurier was noted for picking up a minor knock, but that minor knock is likely all that is necessary for Jose not to take the chance on a player he does not trust in such an important fixture, so Doherty again gets the nod.
Tottenham midfield
Holding Midfield – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
After employing a double pivot to not great effect against Everton, we get our first opportunity to see what Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg can do when he is the lone protector of the defense. Continuing to integrate PEH into the squad and getting this team more players into the attack is vital for their success. So trusted is Hojbjerg already in this role, expect to see more of a 4-1-4-1 formation where five players are committed to the attack from the midfield and front.
Right Wing – Lucas Moura
At this point it should be obvious to just about everyone how much Mourinho rates Lucas Moura. As such, expect him to start on the right of the four attacking midfielders. Additionally, Moura is kind of known for playing some of his best football in Europe. Hopefully he brings that on Thursday.
Center Attacking Midfielder – Giovani Lo Celso
Mourinho is going to waste little time in integrating his most reliable passer back into the squad. Giovani Lo Celso demands the ball in ways that other players on the team simply do not. Additionally, when it comes to pressing from the attacking players, Lo Celso is willing and able to stick his nose in and it will be a welcome addition. With the protection of Hojbjerg behind him, this should be an opportunity for Lo Celso to really push forward.
Center Attacking Midfielder – Dele Alli
As further evidence that he is not done with the young playmaker after taking him off at half-time versus Everton, Dele Alli is again started by Mourinho. Serving as both a second striker and a little bit of help to Lo Celso in the center of the park, this game should be one for Dele to shine as the team controls the ball in the attacking half.
Left Wing – Heung-Min Son
Heung-Min Son was – like most of the squad – not at his best for Tottenham in the match versus Everton. While Sonny had an early shot on target, it was not a sign of things to come as the South Korean never really got loose against Everton. While he will likely not find a ton of room, the opportunity to beat some players on the dribble is there and expect Son to take it.
Tottenham attack
Center Forward – Harry Kane
Who else but Harry Kane is starting up front for Tottenham? No seriously, who else? At this point, Kane is still the only recognized striker in the squad and as the talisman in an important game, will be leading the line.
I would like to think the overall effort from this past weekend can be chalked up to a lack of some fitness, but how much better will it be only four days later? Kane plays and goes all 90 as Spurs have no other choice, but he likely would anyway, given the game’s importance.
Bench
Expect a mix of young and old, attack and defense on the bench. The headliners are Tanguy Ndombele, Steven Bergwijn, and Erik Lamela. While, Paulo Gazzaniga, Ben Davies, Eric Dier, and Moussa Sissoko round out the squad. This means Harry Winks, Gedson Fernandes, Juan Foyth, Joe Hart, and some of the kids are not in the squad, but at this level someone we know will always not be in the squad.
So, there you have it, a 4-1-4-1 formation made up of: Lloris, Sessegnon, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Doherty, Hojbjerg, Moura, Lo Celso, Dele, Son, and Kane.
What do you think? How do you think Spurs will line up and who do you think will play?