Brazilians Headline Tottenham Projected XI for Trip to LASK

Tottenham Defense and Keeper

Matt Doherty surprisingly returned last week and should be available again, while we believe that Toby Alderweireld remains unavailable, as does Joe Rodon because he is not on the list. After the successful return of Japhet Tanganga as well last week, do not expect a lot of changes as Mourinho looks to build two solid defensive units within the squad.

Ben Davies (LB)

With Japhet Tanganga back in the side, Ben Davies can return to simply being a left back – for now. Davies played left back last week in Europe and then came on late against Chelsea to help protect the lead. Davies is not a game changer, but he is steady and makes few mistakes overall. Davies needs a strong outing to stay in screaming distance of Sergio Reguilón for the top left back spot.

Japhet Tanganga (CB)

Dele Alli was not the only surprise starter last week, as Japhet Tanganga made a triumphant return to the Tottenham lineup. The young defender had only played once the entire season before going for 90 against Ludogorets. Tanganga looked fresh and alert defensively. With LASK likely to sit deep as well, look for more attacking of the ball and work to simply prevent the offense from getting started with Tanganga and Sanchez in the middle of defense.

Davinson Sanchez (CB)

Davinson Sanchez has been part of quite a few rumors this season. Since surrendering the own goal in the West Ham collapse the Columbian has not been seen in the Premier League squad. With Toby Alderweireld out injured and number limited at center-half in Europe Sanchez must be available midweek and therefore cannot be risked on the weekend right now. That or Mourinho no longer trusts him, either way, Sanchez is needed weekly in Europe.

Matt Doherty (RB)

Doherty was the surprise return starter last week versus Ludogorets, after Aurier played a tough 90 at the weekend against Chelsea, it seems most logical that Matt Doherty gets the runout here. The reality is whoever plays Thursday will not play Saturday and while we think Serge Aurier as nailed down the right back job in the Premier League – for now – you never really know with Mourinho. Doherty has not been as sharp in the last month as he was early in the season and Europe is a good place to regain that confidence and excellence in his game.

Joe Hart (GK)

Joe Hart got a shutout without making a single save last week as Ludogorets failed to register a shot in the match. Hart was replaced by Alfie Whiteman for the last 9 minutes but did what little he had to do for the 81 minutes he played. Expect Hart to be a little busier this week, but not a lot as Tottenham should be trying to keep Joe Hart as clean as possible for 90 minutes.

Tottenham Bench

Tottenham Hotspur have been doing well with the deep bench as José Mourinho has been able to rotate several players in and out of the line-up. Last week against Ludogorets, Mourinho was able to clear the bench so to speak and played several young Spurs. Included in the group was 16-year-old and youngest every Spur to appear Dane Scarlett.

Scarlett is not making the trip this week, but his teammates Harvey White, Dennis Cirkin, and Brandon Austin will. While Austin and Cirkin are not too likely to play, it would be good to see White get another run out. Austin will be joined on the bench by fellow keeper Hugo Lloris who makes the trip just in case. Additionally, Jack Clarke joins the other young players in the side.

Besides the keepers and the kinds, José Mourinho has some real firepower incase of emergency. A few regulars from his core, including talisman Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son make the trip along with his starting midfield of Moussa Sissoko, Pierre Højbjerg, and Tanguy Ndombele. Add in the two fullbacks, Sergio Reguilón and Serge Aurier and you have yourself a full team once over on the bench and a side hopefully ready to see more youth get a run about.

So, there is our call, what do you think?

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

Hart – Doherty – Sanchez – Tanganga – Davies – Lo Celso – Winks – Dele – Bale – Lucas – Vinicius

Bench

Lloris – Austin – Cirkin – Sissoko – Højbjerg – Kane – Son – White – Clarke – Ndombele – Reguilón – Aurier