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Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI to face City in the League Cup Final

By Aaron Coe

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 16, 2021 in Liverpool, 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 Joe Prior/Visionhaus/Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - APRIL 16: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Everton and Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park on April 16, 2021 in Liverpool, 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 Joe Prior/Visionhaus/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham Starting Defense

This part of the team is actually easy in comparison to the rest of the team. Joe Rodon is not eligible, Ben Davies is recovering from injury and the defense was okay midweek. With all this context, Ryan Mason keeps the same back four in front of Hugo Lloris as he had midweek in the win over Southampton.

Reguilón – Left-back

Sergio Reguilón has had a good first season overall with Tottenham Hotspur with some of his best performances coming in his two Carabao Cup appearances. Two of Reguilón’s six assists have come in the League Cup and with Ben Davies still nursing an injury, Reguilón is the obvious choice.

Eric Dier – Left center back

Eric Dier is probably not the first name most would put on the teamsheet but it makes sense in this situation. Tottenham wants to go into the match with their best defender – Toby Alderweireld – playing in his best position, which is on the right, leaving Dier on the left. Eric did start in the back the last time Tottenham played in the League Cup Final and was involved in Chelsea’s first goal. This time his experience pays off.

Alderweireld – Right center back

The choice for the right center-half position really comes down to either Davinson Sanchez or Toby Alderweireld. Neither has been great this season and they each bring something very different to the table. The thought is Mason goes with experience and form, meaning Alderweireld gets the nod and Sanchez is on the bench.

Aurier – Right-back

Serge Aurier was better midweek under Mason than he has been on the weekend under Mourinho. Seemingly playing a slightly less advanced and more narrow role under Mason, Aurier needs to stick to defense first as Sergio Reguilón does the bombing up the left for Tottenham. Any offensive contribution Aurier can give Sunday will be a plus as he is likely to be chasing Raheem Sterling all day.

Lloris – Keeper

Hugo Lloris has played in a couple of finals with Tottenham and won the World Cup with France back in 2018. Hugo Lloris is one of the players whose future with the club is uncertain at best with only one year left on his contract after this season. It will be a big moment for the club and the captain to hoist the cup in triumph. To do that, Spurs need a big game from Lloris.