Who is in the Starting XI for Tottenham Hotspur at West Brom Albion?
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Defense and Goal
Like the attack and midfield there are a couple places that are more or less given if the game is a must win, in captain Hugo Lloris and defender Eric Dier. Given the need to get three points and hit the break on a good note, expect a strong team.
Ben Davies (LB)
Given the volume of work the Wales defender has had the last few weeks, it would make sense for Sergio Reguilon to get the start. However, the Spaniard was ill midweek and we have not received an updated since. If Reguilon is available, expect him to start and get Davies some rest before he Welshman goes off to play at least 2 if not 3 matches for his country.
Eric Dier (CB)
Eric Dier was in the team midweek and was strong overall. We were a bit critical of Dier’s arm raise as his response on the Ludogorets goal, but we all make mistakes and until someone shows otherwise, Dier is the best left-sided center half. Clearly trusted by Mourinho and earning that trust for Spurs.
Davinson Sanchez (CB)
Toby Alderweireld has started the last few in League for Spurs next to Eric Dier, but he has also played the last 180 minutes for the team in the back. With little rest coming from the break for Toby, Davinson Sanchez gets the call next to Eric Dier. When Sanchez is on, he may be the best defender Spurs have but only from the right side.
Matt Doherty (RB)
Matt Doherty is in a similar situation to Ben Davies, where rotation and the need to stay fresh may say Doherty should be rotated with Serge Aurier. However, Aurier was injured and not available midweek for Ludogorets. It is quite possible the knock was minor and Serge gets a go here, but at the same time, if he had a knock why risk it with a break coming. Although neither Serge or Doherty will get a break.
Hugo Lloris (GK)
Hugo Lloris sat out the midweek match in Bulgaria, as Joe Hart had a couple saves and conceded one on a largely quiet evening. Odds are Lloris will have a quiet afternoon on Sunday, but anything can happen, which is why the top keeper and Spurs captain is on the field.
Tottenham Bench
As always, the bench is designed to provide cover and ensure Mourinho and company are not caught short. A lot of the make-up of the bench is dependent on who is actually available, particularly defensively. Aurier and Reguilon are questionable at best coming in meaning we may see some youth on the bench like Dennis Cirkin to provide some cover. At the same time, Japhet Tanganga has returned to practice this week, so maybe he makes the bench as someone that can cover all the defensive positions.
Beside the defenders, the rest of the bench can be identified by those that played midweek. Whoever of Sissoko and Winks does not start the other gets a spot on the pine, the same with Lo Celso behind Ndombele. Add in Toby Alderweireld and Joe Hart and the bench is mostly complete. Likely Bale, is there, but one of Bergwijn and Vinicius is not, such is the competition right now. Then the final spot goes to the defender most ready to play, we think that is Cirkin, but would love to see Tanganga on the bench.