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Tottenham projected starting 11 for Crystal Palace

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Sergio Reguilón of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on December 13, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 13: Sergio Reguilón of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on December 13, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham is challenged by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur and Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on March 04, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 04: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Fulham is challenged by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur and Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage on March 04, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Midfield

Pierre Hojberg is the only certainty in Tottenham’s midfield, though Tanguy Ndombele is favoured to retain his spot beside the Dane. Tanguy, who was withdrawn in the second half, didn’t enjoy one of his best outings against Fulham. He gained a few bonus minutes of rest, the one silver lining in being substituted.

If he’s feeling fit and healthy, Tanguy should get the nod, leaving the side’s deep midfield unchanged. Son Heung-min will assuredly take his rightful place on the left side of Jose’s attacking midfield.

That leaves the right side, which Gareth Bale maned against Fulham. While the Welshman showed glimpses of pedigree, he was largely ineffective.

On the other hand, Erik Lamela enjoyed a marvellous cameo after being brought on for the departing Ndombele. The Argentinian or Lucas Moura could get the call on Sunday, though Jose should go back to Bale, reinforcing the faith and trust he has in the Welshman’s full recovery.

That decision should have a galvanizing effect on Bale, who only played 67 minutes and shouldn’t be too fatigued. Then again, Bale hasn’t started two consecutive matches in short succession in a long time, and one wonders if his susceptible body can withstand that physical test.

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