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Tottenham projected 11 for trip to Aston Villa

By Gary Pearson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Steven Bergwijn of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Dinamo Zagreb at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 11, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. 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 Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 11: Steven Bergwijn of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 First Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Dinamo Zagreb at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 11, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. 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 Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham missed Pierre Hojberg’s presence dearly on Thursday night and will be elated that he’s back in the starting team. Thursday’s encounter showed just how much Spurs miss the Dane when he’s not protecting the back four. He is the glue that holds a vulnerable backline in place.

Tanguy Ndombele will partner Hojberg. The Frenchman came on in the second half against Zagreb to minimal success. He is, however, the only viable option for Jose on Sunday in that position. Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks were both way off the pace against Zagreb, and Giovanni Lo Celso isn’t quite fit enough to play in successive matches after a long injury layoff.

Personally I’d start Lo Celso in a heartbeat if his body can take it, but it’s not a risk worth taking. Jose can ill-afford to have the Argentinian reinjure his vulnerable hamstring. That would allow, if Lo Celso were fit, Ndombele to play a more advanced role, patrolling the No. 10 position. That won’t be a possibility for Sunday’s match, though.

Look for Steven Bergwijn to come back into the team on Sunday. He always provides a workmanlike effort, exactly what Jose needs at this difficult moment. Though he’s been out of the mix for a while now, Bergwijn deserves another shot after his colleague’s dismal effort in midweek.

That leaves Gareth Bale, who should start against Villa. Gareth wasn’t one of the worst in Croatia. Sure, he didn’t exactly enjoy an awe-inspiring performance, but some of his colleagues faired even worse.

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