Who Mourinho Starts in His Tottenham XI for Crystal Palace
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Defense and Keeper
A big reason why Tottenham are currently top of the league has been the defense of Spurs. While the twin holding midfielders are there to help protect the defense, the defense still has work to do. With Toby Alderweireld recovered from injury and Eric Dier looking as assured as he ever has in the back, Spurs defense has been strong. Add in depth and rotation on the wings and things are looking bright in the back for Tottenham.
Hugo Lloris (GK)
Hugo Lloris is on a nice run right now for Tottenham. Lloris last conceded a goal for Tottenham November 1 against Brighton, a run of four straight shutouts for Lloris and Spurs in League. Clearly focused and a vocal leader now on the pitch, the rigidity of the defense starts with the captain and no question he starts.
Sergio Reguilón (LB)
Sergio Reguilón played a half midweek at left back or midfield or something. The way he played he seemed like he wanted to be left out, as he complained frequently to the referee and seemed only half-interested in defending. Hoping his head has not been turned by all the Real Madrid talk of late and he is back to his marauding best on Sunday or else Andros Townsend may leave him with some bad memories of Selhurst Park.
Eric Dier (CB)
Eric Dier started to put on shin pads in the first half midweek when it looked like Japhet Tanganga may have been hurt. Then in the second half Dier warmed up with a number of other Tottenham regulars, but never got the call, as Mourinho went more offensive than defensive with his substitutions. Unlike Dele Alli, Dier was likely thankful for the rest with the run to come. Spurs need Dier to continue to be the leader of the defense in front of Lloris.
Joe Rodon (CB)
We know Toby Alderweireld is back and this IS Toby’s position. However, with the idea that he just came back from a muscle injury and Rodon did not play midweek, this would be a nice time to start the Welshman. With a bit more rest and Liverpool in mind for Alderweireld, Rodon gets only his second Premier League start in our line-up and is put to the test. Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha will be rough and running against Rodon as he works to keep tabs on the left-hand channel.
Serge Aurier (RB)
Serge Aurier almost missed last week against Arsenal according to his coach and then was absent from the team against Antwerp. With a little time to recover from whatever ailed him, Aurier should be ready to go on Sunday. With Zaha likely taking up residence running up and down the left channel Serge will have his hands full and may not have as much opportunity to get forward. Then again, sometimes the best defense is a good offense and if Zaha has to track back more than less that bodes well for Spurs and Aurier.