Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for Premier League clash at Newcastle

2 of 4

LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Joe Rodon of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 28, 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 Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /

Spurs Defense

Tottenham is going to stick with what they know which is a back four. Given the opposition, this should be a good game to get both the fullbacks up the flanks while the center-backs can be split in possession by one of the Spurs holding midfielders. And of course, that back four is backed by the captain.

Hugo Lloris – Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris is coming off a solid showing with France and is of course top choice for Tottenham. Barring any illness or injury expect to see Lloris play every minute the rest of the season. Tottenham is playing for their future lives and the captain is the best Spurs have.

Sergio Reguilón – Left Fullback

With Ben Davies out this is sort of a no-brainer that a healthy Sergio Reguilón gets the call. Of course, the key really is how healthy Reguilón is at this point having left Tottenham’s last match early a fortnight ago. Given the opposition, if Reguilón is at all questionable Japhet Tanganga should get the call. LIkely, however, it is the Spaniard who gets the call with Tanganga among the crew on the bench.

Joe Rodon – Left Center-back

Joe Rodon started in Tottenham’s last game before the break, although the story was Toby Alderweireld was sick. Likely after 3 matches in two weeks, Toby is just fine and we will see the pecking order on Sunday. Given that Rodon did not play a foot wrong against Villa and then was lights out for Wales internationally, Joe goes for Spurs.

Davinson Sanchez – Right Center-back

It is hard to say how many people really do or do not like the Sanchez and Rodon pairing at center-back but one cannot argue it is the most athletic duo Spurs can muster in the position. Sanchez has had a couple of weeks off and hopefully has not gotten too rusty over the time off from matches. Sanchez has been back to improving lately and partnering with Rodon makes a formidable pair.

Serge Aurier – Right Fullback

With Matt Doherty out, this is again sort of a no-brainer with Serge Aurier obviously getting the call. That said like with Reguilón on the left, Japhet Tanganga is not a bad option here. Tanganga got the start in Spurs’ last match but Aurier was out completely as was Doherty. Now that Aurier is back, he reclaims his spot at Tottenham’s best right back on the roster. Further, after a wonderfully productive break leading Ivory Coast, Aurier should be ready to roll.