Tottenham Hotspur is counting on rotation and desire as Nuno Espirito Santo takes a very young and hopefully hungry squad to face Paços de Ferreira in Portugal.
Having played with an all-out intensity not seen at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in some time, we wondered aloud about Spurs’ ability to keep up such a style. With the same coolness and calm demeanor he seems to handle everything, Nuno Espirito Santo is leaning into the youth and competition at Tottenham Hotspur to both advances the team and keep his starters fresh. With a lot of rotation and not anyone from Sunday, here is our projected XI for Thursday at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal.
Goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini
Pierluigi Gollini was signed on loan with an option to buy from Atalanta this summer, as the first of what has been three signings this summer. Gollini was introduced to the fans via the preseason and Thursday provides his first opportunity at football that counts for Tottenham. After Hugo Lloris kept a clean sheet against one of the best sides in Europe, you can count on Gollini wanting to do the same against a team much less well known in Paços.
It will be exciting for Gollini to make his official Tottenham debut as will a few other players in our projected XI.
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.
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.
Tottenham Attack
As the team tries to continue to build upon the 4-3-3 formation we have seen all summer, we get three fresh faces in the attacking band for Tottenham. This group is likely the group most fans are most excited about as it showcases some of our hopeful stars of tomorrow, today.
Left forward: Bryan Gil
Having made the bench on Sunday for Manchester City, it seems quite likely Bryan Gil is going to get his first start for Tottenham on Thursday. Further, with both Steven Bergwijn and Heung-Min Son back in London, Bryan will likely get to play in his preferred left-wing position. It is the belief here at HotspurHQ that Bryan is going to bring something different to the team in terms of attack and creativity. Seeing him paired on the left with Lo Celso should be exciting.
Center forward: Dane Scarlett
Another player we kind of know is starting is Dane Scarlett. Nuno Espirito Santo said as much in his pre-match press conference, noting Scarlett’s goal in the preseason. These minutes are really crucial for Scarlett as even if Harry Kane is back, the team needs a true forward option besides Son to back up Kane. A real match and likely 90 minutes is something a lot of fans want to see from Scarlett, hopefully, he does not disappoint.
Right forward: Jack Clarke
As much as Tottenham needs Bryan to play well and show he can be a real wing threat this season, the Lilywhites maybe need it even more from Clarke. Whereas Bryan, Bergwijn, and Son all prefer to play as a left-winger, Clarke is your more classic right-footed right-winger. Actually, a great compliment to Gil for providing your double traditional winger approach, Spurs really need Clarke to come good. whether it is to earn more minutes with this club or some other club on loan Clarke, like so many developing youngsters just needs to play.
Tottenham Bench and Full XI
The starting line-up is a bit of a mixed bag and it is difficult to a how well they will all mesh.
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Given the team is missing up to 15 first-team players on Thursday, the bench may not be as deep as it typically is. Brandon Austin is back from a loan and is backing up Gollini in goal. Joining Austin on the bench is primarily young players, including, Kallum Cesay, Nile John, Masim Paskotsi, and Harvey While – all of whom are part of the U23 team – and Cameron Carter-Vickers. Who else is on the bench is anyone’s guess at this point.’
That is our prediction, who do you think goes for Spurs on Thursday in Portugal?