Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Fulham Rematch in EPL

Tottenham Hotspur's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 28, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's Portuguese head coach Jose Mourinho gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 28, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Tottenham, Sanchez blocks shot
Burnley’s Czech striker Matej Vydra (R) has this shot blocked by Tottenham Hotspur’s Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez (L) during the English Premier League football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 28, 2021. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Tottenham Defense

The real questions outside of Bale and Dele Alli are surrounding Spur’s defense and which four might get the nod this week. There seems to be a bit of rotation going on with the center-halves and that is likely to continue and then of course who plays at the fullback spots makes a big difference in the type of approach Spurs can take.

Ben Davies – Left Fullback

We could again see Sergio Reguilon, but just back from an injury, it seems likely Ben Davies gets the nod. Davies usually is a willing and usually capable defender. The bigger difference is that Ben Davies is not as dynamic going forward. Davies can make a run, put in a cross, and is typically sound in possession giving Tottenham a dependable option for building from the back.

Eric Dier – Left Center-Half

While one might think that Toby Alderweireld again gets the call but the basics of Spurs rotation say it will be Eric Dier. Toby has played two straight matches after the midweek Europa League game and then Sunday versus Burnley. Dier played with Toby midweek but then sat out Burnley, so Eric should be fresh and ready for the match.

Davinson Sanchez – Right Center-Half

Davinson Sanchez has been playing some very good football the last month or so. Clearly having regained his confidence on the pitch, Sanchez is attacking the ball well and working defensively. Not the most skilled passer, but certainly the most athletic of Spurs center-halves. Sanchez gets one more run out here, before likely sitting at the weekend.

Matt Doherty – Right Fullback

Again based on the idea of rotation and trying to keep players fresh for what Spurs hope will be 21 more games, Matt Doherty gets the call over Serge Aurier. Aurier is just returning from injury and left Sunday’s match early. While there is no indication that Aurier is injured, being smart with the back makes sense. It is possible Japhet Tanganga gets the call here as confidence in Doherty is likely a bit shaken.

Hugo Lloris – Keeper

There is no doubting that when it comes to league play Hugo Lloris is Spur’s top keeper. The captain of France and Tottenham has had an up and down season like everyone else on the team. Certainly facing many more shots than he would like to this season, Hugo has been a busy keeper. We have seen that in most matches Spurs win, Hugo has to make at least one big save, hopefully, that continues Thursday.