Projected XI for Tottenham Hotspur at Paços de Ferreira
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham Midfield
A complete overhaul of the midfield from the three who have played much of the preseason and against City in the Premier League is a bit unnerving. This is even more so knowing that Pierre Emile-Højbjerg is not coming on for the second half. However, to create competition in the midfield players have to play. Further with a new coaching staff and footballing director, seeing players play can help make decisions regarding future transfers.
Left midfield: Giovani Lo Celso
Giovani Lo Celso has only played some spot minutes since returning to Tottenham following a busy summer playing for Argentina in Copa America. In his limited minutes, Lo Celso has looked sharp and engaged, which is something the team needs as Gio will have to carry a great deal of the play-making burden in this particular team.
Center midfield: Harry Winks
Playing in the role of Oliver Skipp as the midfielder who typically sits the deepest we should see Harry Winks. It is not so much that Winks is any better a defender than Lo Celso on his left or Sissoko on his right, rather, Winks is the superior passer among the three providing that extra bit of cover and support to the defense. If Winks wants to play on the weekends he needs to prove it on the weekdays.
Right midfield: Moussa Sissoko
While it is conceivable that Nile John could start in the midfield, it seems to make more sense to use Moussa Sissoko. Sissoko provides the most experience of the remaining midfielders and seems like someone who could enforce Santo’s style in limited opportunities. Sissoko cannot give 180 strong minutes in a week but he can definitely give 90 and that is what everyone is looking for on Thursday.