Bale and the Boys, Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Ludogorets

Spurs Goalkeeper and defenders

Joe Hart (GK)

Joe Hart has not played since his shutout two weeks ago in the first round of Europa League matches. With a break coming, that would likely mean more than a month between matches for the back-up, which just is not great practice. Hart gets the nod and likely does not have a ton to do beyond be heard all over the pitch.

Serge Aurier (RB)

Doherty played at the weekend after Aurier was in the team last week in Europe. After missing the bench entirely, the last two weeks in the Premier League it is quite likely that again Serge goes 90 midweek. Given the rigors and demands put on the fullbacks neither player has locked down the position, so Serge gets his chance to call it his own midweek.

Davinson Sanchez (CB)

Davinson Sanchez seems to be on a rotation with Toby Alderweireld, having sat out the last two Premier League matches entirely as the Belgian got the nod. Sanchez will again get the start at the right-sided center-half position, where he is most comfortable and most effective. Given the high likelihood someone among the center-half group will be injured at some point a rotation makes the most sense.

Eric Dier (CB)

Dier again played 90 in the Premier League, but unlike last week, he is now two weeks removed from his injury return and is ready to go again here. In the ideal world Japhet Tanganga would get to play, but it is still unclear when that might happen. Ben Davies has gotten the start here each of the last two weeks, with the options limited with Tanganga out and Rodon ineligible. Like Dier goes as Davies goes to his natural position and both Toby and Sergio Reguilón are available from the bench.

Ben Davies (LB)

Sure we could again see Ben Davies at left center-half, but he moves back to his more natural left back position as Sergio Reguilón is given the night off. Ideally Reguilón is unneeded and can rest. Davies only played a closing role against Brighton, whereas Reguilón put in a full shift. Until Dennis Cirkin emerges or Ryan Sessegnon returns, it is hard to envision Davies making the permanent shift to center back, yet as the load on Reguilón would just be too much.

Tottenham Bench

This part is fun for us at HotspurHQ, so it must be fun for Jose Mourinho too. It is the opportunity to pick both the players you need to support your side strategically as well as pick the players you hope will get a chance to play and gain some experience. The best of both worlds indeed.

After going with three goalkeepers in week 1 and just two last week, Mourinho again sticks with just two keepers and has Hugo Lloris backing up Joe Hart. This leaves room for 11 field players, which can provide cover and emergency support and a few fellas we are just all hoping to get to play.

Regulars Toby Alderweireld, Sergio Reguilón, and Matt Doherty provide defensive cover. Unless one of the regulars is out, there is not room for young Dennis Cirkin on this night. For the midfield Harry Winks, Pierre Højbjerg, and Harvey White give options for the two holding slots and Erik Lamela is available for coming in for Dele. That leaves three of the regular attack, Harry Kane, Heung-Min Son, and Lucas Moura to round off the bench along with youthful winger Jack Clare.

Not sure we can call it a deep bench so much as just a deep team that can bring a lot of people. Either way, Spurs have cover if needed, but hopefully opportunity for some of the young boys. What do you think does Jose bring more regulars in to play with Bale or do we continue to see a rotated side?

Line-up (4-2-3-1)

Hart – Aurier – Sanchez – Dier – Davies – Lo Celso – Sissoko – Dele – Bale – Bergwijn – Vinicius

Bench

Lloris – Winks – Alderweireld – Højbjerg – Reguilón – Doherty – Kane – Son – Lucas – White – Clarke – Lamela