Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for Premier League clash at Newcastle

Tottenham Midfield

Tottenham will again essentially have five people playing across two lines in the midfield with a holding pair and then an attacking band of three. Given that Newcastle is likely to run a 4-3-3 system, Tottenham should have the opportunity to overrun the Magpies in the midfield and win the game from the inside out.

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg – Defensive Holding Midfielder

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is another of the Tottenham players who had an excellent international break. Fortunately, the Dane only played two of Denmark’s three matches during the period. Højbjerg was all over the pitch for Denmark and managed to provide an assist and score during his two matches. Sunday Højbjerg’s main job is to keep Jonjo Shelvey from running into the box unguarded and to protect the back-line in general.

Tanguy Ndombele – Defensive Holding Midfielder

I would certainly like to Ndombele a bit further up the pitch in a more vertical split between the Frenchman and Pierre Højbjerg, however, that seems unlikely. Instead, Ndombele will continue to play a side of the midfield as the pitch is split horizontally not vertically. Finding new ways to get Ndombele the ball in some space will be important in making something out of this run-in.

Heung-Min Son – Left Outside Midfield/Wing

Assuming the South Korean is fully fit from injury, expect to see him play. Despite a poor run of form over the last several weeks for Son, he is still second on the team in goals and assists. Having Son on the left makes Sergio Reguilón stronger as it gives the defense more to worry about. Would be nice to see him score and break his personal duck.

Lucas Moura – Center Attacking Midfield

This is one of the positions where José Mourinho could go in any of several directions. Our thought is he goes with what he feels most comfortable with, which is the Brazilian Lucas Moura running around attacking every chance he gets. Erik Lamela is back from red card suspension and Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso are thought to be fit. Ultimately, Mourinho knows what Moura will bring in terms of effort and that gets him the call.

Erik Lamela – Right Outside Midfield/Wing

It is VERY possible that it is Gareth Bale that plays in this position from the start. However, it is also very possible that Erik Lamela is back in the Xi following his return from the red card suspension. Like the other two in this line, the reason Lamela gets the call is that you know what you are going to get in terms of effort. Lamela, like Moura and Son, brings it whether it is for 9 minutes or 90, following his Arsenal goal and then dismissal, expect Lamela to have something to prove.