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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) /
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Tottenham and Manchester City battle
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Bernardo Silva of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 13, 2021, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

Spurs Midfield

Tottenham is going to run a three-man midfield and the one man we know that will be a part of it is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg. The Dane is a clear leader in the clubhouse and on the pitch. The question is about who will take the other two places as it could be any of three players – Dele Alli, Giovani Lo Celso, or Oliver Skipp – who join the Viking in the middle of the park.

Left midfield: Dele Alli

Many would think that Giovani Lo Celso would be starting this game instead of Dele Alli. Dele had an up and down preseason showing out against lesser competition but not converting against the bigger sides. However, Lo Celso has proven he can make an impact off the bench so Dele gets a chance to go. If Dele does not dwell on the ball in possession and can get things moving in the midfield he can help in the possession battle. And if he has his finishing boots on we know he can pop up in the box. This will be a big chance for Dele, it is up to him to take it.

Central midfield: Oliver Skipp

Many could wonder if Oliver Skipp is ready to handle the center of the park against the defending champions, likely Nuno Santo is one of those many. There really is only one way to find out, which is playing the lad. Skipp has shown he can be solid in possession and work hard on defense. Starting Skipp may be a risk but likely one worth taking for his and the club’s development

Right midfield: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

One might have Højbjerg in the center and Skipp on the right but the reality is that Tottenham wants Skipp to be the deepest of the midfielders on the pitch by default. Having Skipp the furthest back positionally gives Højbjerg more freedom to roam the field and create good things on both ends of the pitch. As we saw for Denmark in the summer, Højbjerg can be a major offensive contributor when given the chance. Having slightly less defensive responsibility is what Tottenham hopes will translate that international play to the club.