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The Tottenham Hotspur XI that Will Take Down Liverpool

By Aaron Coe

Tottenham Hotspur's French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (L) makes a save from a header by Chelsea's US midfielder Christian Pulisic (R) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris (L) makes a save from a header by Chelsea's US midfielder Christian Pulisic (R) (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: (l-r) Sergio Reguilon, Toby Alderweireld, Pierre-Emile Hoejbjerg and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate (Photo by Paul Childs – Pool/Getty Images) /

Tottenham XI – Defenders

Tottenham have been strong defensively all season long, working to limit the quality opportunities allowed on goal. While giving up shots and possession, few clear cut opportunities spring up in open play, as the club has really worked to improve as a team defensively.

Sergio Reguilón (LB)

Sergio Reguilón has not been great in his last few outings. Really trying to do too much in Europa League on the wing last week, and then pinned in more than he would have liked against Palace, the battle between Sergio Reguilón and Trent Alexander Arnold on the flank is going to help determine the game. The player who can get more involved in the attack is going to give his side the advantage and put the other on the defensive. With Ben Davies right there knocking, Reguilón needs a good outing.

Eric Dier (CB)

Eric Dier was solid defensively on Sunday at Selhurst Park, but his passing left something to be desired. Dier, like several other Tottenham players, was guilty of a lack of patience offensively with the ball and continually tried to force passes into windows and spaces that did not exist. He was not terrible, but those giveaways set the tone in terms of Tottenham possession. Spurs needs more against a better Liverpool team.

Toby Alderweireld (CB)

We thought maybe Toby Alderweireld would get a break on the weekend ahead of Liverpool, but any lingering effects from his injury from a few weeks ago seem to be gone. In fact Alderweireld was one of the seven Tottenham players Mourinho listed as “injured, no” when talking about injuries ahead the match. Toby is likely going to need a bit of assistance as Saido Mane and Firminho both like to take up places on the left, putting extra numbers on the right sided defenders. Expect a safety first approach and let’s hope we can catch a couple Toby diagonal balls too!

Matt Doherty (RB)

One area where we see some rotation is at right back, where Matt Doherty takes his usual midweek place in the team. Doherty has not been really great of late and frankly Aurier had seemed to have fallen back to earth a bit against Palace. We think Mourinho goes with Doherty as he is the more assured player positionally and with the ball at his feet. What Spurs give up in pace they will get back in positioning. Aurier is still on the bench to help, but Doherty gets the big call and Saido Mane.