Tottenham Hotspur: The lineup that should start against Southampton

Tottenham should start with this lineup against Southampton.

Tottenham Hotspur will look to bounce back after last week’s defeat when they visit Southampton on Sunday afternoon.

Even if Gareth Bale and Sergio Reguilon sign in time to make the squad for Sunday’s game, it’s unlikely either will play a big part, if any, in this game.

In an important early-season game at Southampton, here’s who should start for Spurs.

Goalkeepers and defenders

Hugo Lloris (GK) – No surprises here. Lloris is Spurs’ number one keeper and it’s not all that close. The club captain is the starter in goal.

Matt Doherty (RB) – I was impressed with Doherty in his first appearance for Spurs last week against Everton. It was clear he’s a talented player, especially going forward. Even after playing all 90 minutes on Thursday night, Doherty should make the start here.

Toby Alderweireld (CB) – Alderweireld didn’t travel for the Europa League game so should be fresh to play against his former club.

Eric Dier (CB) – Dier is another player who was on the field for the full 90 minutes three days earlier, but it’s impossible to rotate everyone.

Ben Davies (LB) – Reguilon might be on the way, which could significantly reduce Davies’ playing time this season. But before then, Davies gets another full 90 minutes in this game. Tottenham don’t have many options currently at left back.

Midfielders

Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg (CM) – Hojbjerg’s second Premier League game for Spurs comes at his former home stadium against players he knows well. That could help him in this game, and his ability to breakup play is just what Tottenham need in the center of the park.

Tanguy Ndombele (CM) – Ndombele made a huge difference off the bench against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Thursday night, scoring Tottenham’s late winner. It’s time for Jose Mourinho to give the 23-year-old an opportunity to start. Ndombele needs minutes to improve and he’s had some impressive moments in the limited game time he’s had recently.

Giovani Lo Celso (CAM) – Back from injury on Thursday night, Lo Celso showed what Spurs were missing against Everton. He provides the creative spark this team needs. Fitness is the only concern as Lo Celso returns from injury and played the full 90 against Lokomotiv Plovdiv, but Spurs will need him against Southampton.

Forwards

Son Heung-Min (LW) – Rotating the squad will be important with games coming up on Tuesday and Thursday, but the time to rest Son will come during Tuesday’s League Cup tie at Leyton Orient. In nine games against Southampton, Son has scored four goals and assisted three. Spurs need their star left winger on the pitch.

Harry Kane (ST) – Until Tottenham sign another striker, the Harry Kane Show continues. Kane also has an impressive record against Saints, scoring nine times in 11 Premier League meetings. Like Son, Mourinho can rest Kane on Tuesday night. They need him against Southampton.

Lucas Moura (RW) – This is a choice between Moura and Steven Bergwijn. I’ve gone with Moura, who should be fresher after only playing 17 minutes off the bench on Thursday night compared to 70 minutes for Bergwijn. Bergwijn should start on Tuesday against Leyton Orient so it would make sense to rotate at the position this game. Erik Lamela can come off the bench if needed.