Ryan Mason is only coaching his second match as Interim ..."/> Ryan Mason is only coaching his second match as Interim ..."/>
Hotspur HQ
Fansided

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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Tottenham,
Tottenham, /

Tottenham Midfield

After a fantastic start to the season, Tottenham has struggled mightily in the midfield. While Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has been a mainstay all season, the club has struggled to find the right players around him to find a good balance. Things were not great in the midfield midweek but do not expect to see big changes there either.

Højbjerg – Holding Midfield

Pierre-Emile Højbjerg will certainly line up in front of the defense, the question is if someone will line up next to him or if two midfielders will instead be positioned in front of Højbjerg. Regardless, Tottenham needs a big game from the Dane as City is like a machine and we know they get a lot of their goals from the midfield. Staying with their men and not letting extra runners go past free into the box and beyond will be job one for Højbjerg.

Ndombele – Attacking Midfield

Tanguy Ndombele has been the partner with Højbjerg for much of the latter part of the season. The issue has been the inconsistency and lack of cohesion on the interchange between the two players. Ndombele is not a natural defender and prefers to play in space. Setting up a bit further up the pitch versus next to Højbjerg and the backs will help that and also serve to unbalance City.

Lo Celso – Attacking Midfield

No, the Højbjerg, Ndombele, Lo Celso midfield was not great against Southampton and City is far better. That said, Lo Celso brings something extra to the table in terms of his ability and his attitude. Playing as part of a two at the top with Ndombele should give the defenders more outlets and provide more opportunities for playmaking. These three are quite capable, it is about finding the right rotation among them.