Hotspur HQ
Fansided

Projected XI for Tottenham Hotspur at Paços de Ferreira

By Aaron Coe

STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Cheikhou Dieng of Wolfsberger AC during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 matches between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolfsberger AC at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 24, 2021, in London, England. 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 Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur battles for possession with Cheikhou Dieng of Wolfsberger AC during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 matches between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolfsberger AC at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 24, 2021, in London, England. 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 Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Defense

The defense is one area where there are definitely a few question marks. We know that the four starters from Sunday – Tanganaga, Sanchez, Dier, and Reguilon – are all out. Unfortunately, so too is Joe Rodon, who Santo said picked up a knock in training after the City match. For Hotspur HQ Rodon is the first back-up to Dier but we will not see that in this match meaning Santo may get creative.

Left-back: Ryan Sessegnon

Yes, Ryan Sessegnon is coming off of an injury and he did play on Tuesday for the U-23 team. However, that runout was only 45 minutes and was likely meant to prove he can do it on Thursday. If Spurs only were allowed three substitutes as in the Premier League, maybe you do not take the chance on Sessegnon. However, given you are allowed up to five substitutes in UEFA competitions, it makes sense to start Sessegnon.

Center-half: Ben Davies

If Sessegnon does not start at left-back, it is because Ben Davies would be starting there. However, since both Rodon and Dier are unavailable, the role falls to Davies. Maybe one of Cameron Carter-Vickers or Cristian Romero play on the left but our belief is only one of those two play and the naturally left-footed Davies gets the nod.

Center-half: Cristian Romero

With a choice between CCV and Romero to play the other center-half position, Cuti Romero wins by a landslide. Romero is an excellent defender and this should be a great opportunity for him to get his feet wet and connect with his teammate of last season Gollini in defense. While Romero could probably play on the left, he is more comfortable on the right and probably should start his Spurs career where he is most comfortable.

Right-back: Matt Doherty

The one position defensively – outside of goalkeeper – that seems a given for Thursday is Matt Doherty at right back. Based on Santo’s comments we know Japhet Tanganga should be training back in London and Serge  Aurier was left out of the Tottenham Conference League squad for this stage of the competition. Having played for Santo for several years previously, Doherty should be familiar with his charge and hopefully plays more comfortably than he ever did for Mourinho.

Home/Tottenham News