Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Tottenham Hotspur Modified XI to Beat Sheffield United

By Aaron Coe

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur during the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Tottenham, Joe Rodon
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 26: Joe Rodon of Tottenham Hotspur October 26, (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

Defense

After a disappointing draw and maybe even a knock to Eric Dier, expect some changes on the backline. While the fullbacks have done well to get forward of late it often comes at the cost of the team balance and using the midfielders to cover has hurt Spurs in the middle of the pitch. With the need for a defense first approach in mind, we see multiple changes on the back end.

Hugo Lloris – (GK)

One change we do not see is in the goalkeeper. While Hugo Lloris did not have much to do and ultimately did not come close on the game tying header, he is still the Number 1 for Spurs in the net. However, if Lloris is going to fail to stop shots on top of what has been a terrible season for his distribution, maybe that new contract will not be coming. Spurs have needed some moments from their captain, and he has not yet delivered this season.

Ben Davies – (LB)

In a move likely to excite no one Ben Davies is again the left back of choice for the Sheffield United match. Whereas Spurs have been pushing the wingbacks up the pitch, we will see less of this Sunday as Davies stays mostly home and works to provide sound defense. The clean sheet is the number 1 priority, and it starts with a defense that is in position.

Joe Rodon – (CB)

Joe Rodon was not perfect in his last start, but he was good. Add in it looking like Eric Dier potentially got a knock and maybe the door has opened for the Welsh international. Rodon is a big back who is strong in the air. Spurs have conceded goals mostly in the air, something Rodon can help with. His desire in his last outing was commendable and after what we have seen from others, his break should be coming.

Toby Alderweireld – (CB)

Next to Joe Rodon we get Toby Alderweireld back in his natural position. Many were critical of Davinson Sanchez against Fulham, but he was doing his job trying to get out and cover in the right flank given how out of position Serge Aurier was. It does not matter, as Spurs tend to concede late with Sanchez on the pitch more than others and he pays for it here with his spot. Toby gets back in the action against Sheffield with some big passes too!

Japhet Tanganga – (RB)

After getting at best spotty play from both Matt Doherty and Serge Aurier, it is time to simply let an actual defender, defend and Japhet Tanganga gets the start. A natural right back with lots of pace and ability, Tanganga is defense first in his approach and should be good positionally for the team. If Spurs can get a back four to play as a back four, suddenly the defense can be good again. It is time for Tanganga.