Bale and the Boys, Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Ludogorets

Tottenham Forwards

Steven Bergwijn (LW)

Bergwijn was again left out of the Premier League squad for the second week in a row. While people make a fuss over Dele not getting selected, you do not hear much about Bergwijn. Stevie – like several others – seems to have struggled a bit this year with his health and fitness, so he needs these outings to work his way into Premier League contention. Spurs need Bergwijn to perform, Thursday is his chance.

Carlos Vinicius (ST)

We predicted Carlos Vinicius would make the bench on the weekend at Brighton, however Vinicius was not on the bench. Given Vinicius was hooked at the half, it could be that he starts on the bench here. But we at HotspurHQ think he will get another chance to play at least the first half, it not longer in Bulgaria. Given another week of practice to bed with the side, expect to see more of Vinicius’ talents on display this week.

Gareth Bale (RW)

In speaking about his attacker after the Brighton win, Jose Mourinho came straight out and said Gareth Bale would start again in Europa League. His games in Europe are part of the overall regime to get Bale back up to full speed so he can be one of the difference makers for Tottenham this season. Mourinho indicated “Gary” may or may not play 90 minutes, but he would start, so who are we to disagree with the Special One?

Tottenham Midfielders

Giovanni Lo Celso (CM)

Much like Bale and Bergwijn, Giovani Lo Celso is working his way back into playing shape having had a limited preseason. Whereas Bale arrived late, Lo Celso has simply struggled since the campaign began with nagging injuries which have simply kept him unavailable. It seems Lo Celso may have those behind him and is now working his way up to full fitness. No better way to build that fitness than play a game in the deep pivot, so Lo Celso gets the nod.

Moussa Sissoko CM)

While we all love Pierre Højbjerg, he already leads the field players in minutes and should be only available in emergencies for this one. Instead, Moussa Sissoko can do some heavy lifting alongside Lo Celso and help to cover the back end. Sissoko has been the deepest of the midfielders much of the campaign and it would make sense for that to be the case here too.

Dele Alli (CAM)

Dele Alli is not done in a Tottenham jersey, or at least we sure hope not, as he has a role to play. The issue is that role is in a position where right now Tanguy Ndombele is better but if you are going to play Dele, it must be further up the pitch. With a couple weeks working with Bergwijn, Vinicius, and Bale on the training ground, Dele has a great opportunity to grab a place in the squad with a solid performance or continue to slip further into oblivion with the team and fall permanently behind Erik Lamela in the pecking order.