Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for season opener vs Manchester City

By Aaron Coe

Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese head coach Nuno Espirito Santo (L) and Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola watches his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Wolverhamptom Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 2, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Wolverhampton Wanderers' Portuguese head coach Nuno Espirito Santo (L) and Manchester City's Spanish manager Pep Guardiola watches his players from the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Wolverhamptom Wanderers at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England, on March 2, 2021. (Photo by Clive Brunskill / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by CLIVE BRUNSKILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
Tottenham vs Manchester City 2020/21
LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 25: Raheem Sterling of Manchester City battles for possession with Serge Aurier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Final between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 25, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Defense

As we saw all preseason, Santo and Spurs will likely use a four-man backline. While the Lilywhites were consistent in playing four in the back, they were quite inconsistent in who those back four were. Who starts at three of the four back positions will be quite telling for the season ahead.

Left-back: Sergio Reguilón

Of all the defenders for Tottenham, Sergio Reguilón is the one player we can almost assuredly expect to start. While there is an outside chance Ben Davies could get the nod, the reality is the young Spaniard is the present and future for Tottenham at the position. Ideally, Reguilón is splitting time across competitions with Sessegnon but until the young Englishman is ready, it is Reggy’s job.

Center-Half: Eric Dier

In the ideal world, there would be a left-footed player starting on the left side of the center-half pairing. Short that, Joe Rodon would be this author’s first choice. However, given his participation in Euro and lack of time in the preseason, it seems more likely we see Rodon midweek against FC Paços de Ferreira. Then again we thought it was too soon for Son and Højbjerg and both played. That said, Santo, like Mourinho before him has shown some faith in Dier and we expect Eric to start Sunday.

Center-Half: Davinson Sanchez

Again, in the ideal world, this would be Cuti Romero. However, it is likely another week or more before we see Romero in action for his new club. Instead, we get to see more of a renewed Davinson Sanchez. Last season Sanchez was part of a Colombia team that was suffering from humiliating defeats. Combine that with a new baby and the big defender was off the pace. However, this summer Sanchez and Colombia had a strong run and in limited minutes Sanchez looked strong, particularly with the long ball on the pitch. Until Romero is ready, this is Sanchez’s job to lose, once Romero is fit, then the best man will take the post.

Right-back: Serge Aurier

Japhet Tanganga would be a popular choice for many to start this match. However, coming off an injury, minor or not, it is difficult to take that risk this early in the season. Defenders are supposed to go 90 minutes and Aurier is the one for the job. Whether Aurier or Tanganga, they are going to likely face Raheem Sterling and be under a lot of pressure. Aurier provides the most still for the team and gets the call on opening day.