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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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Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City and Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Attack

The big question is around Harry Kane. However, for us at HotspurHQ, it is whether or not Kane is in the team or not Sunday rather than starting. After a clear grouping was shown in the preseason we should expect it to continue against City. We also know while someone is going to line up on the left and the right by default, throughout the match who is on which side is likely to change.

Left forward: Steven Bergwijn

As was the case with Jose Mourinho, at least to start the season Steven Bergwijn gets the call. The Dutchman never quite got off the mark during his first full season with the Lilywhites. Having had a major impact during his initial spell following a January transfer, much was expected of Bergwijn. While he defended well, he just could not find the net. This season, he likely is going to be asked to defender a bit less and fortunately, he has already found the net in the preseason. If that confidence can carry over Bergwijn is the kind of player that can give Manchester City trouble.

Center forward: Son Heung-Min

When it comes to attackers giving Manchester City trouble, few have given them more than Son Heung-Min has. Sonny has scored six goals against Manchester City including three in three matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. If there is anyone that keeps Pep Guardiola up at night on the Spurs – besides when he is dreaming of Kane’s transfer – it is Son. Tottenham needs a big season from their South Korean talisman and it starts Sunday against City.

Right forward: Lucas Moura

Lucas Moura has enjoyed a wonderful preseason under Nuno Santo. Clearly, Lucas has been thriving in a more flexible role that allows him to play both on the wing and drift centrally. Moura brings the kind of quick-fire offense that can rip between the lines.  The Brazilian’s eye for a key pass has been particularly noticeable during the friendlies. Like Son, Lucas is another player Tottenham needs a big season from to achieve the kind of goals we all want to see.