Tottenham Hotspur projected XI to face Paços in Conference League
By Aaron Coe
Projected Spurs Defense
The defensive set-up is definitely going to be different than in Portugal with the team going back to the 4-3-3 formation they have been using in the league. If Joe Rodon and Cameron Carter-Vickers were both healthy, then maybe Tottenham takes a different approach. However, the reality is Rodon and Carter-Vickers are both out, leaving the team just a bit short in the center of defense.
Left fullback: Ben Davies
Ben Davies started last week against Paços and likely is in line to do so again Thursday. Davies will be back to his familiar fullback position as opposed to either wing-back or center-half. With four defenders across the back, Davies should not be asked to do too much and should be just fine.
Center-half: Eric Dier
In the ideal world, this would be Joe Rodon playing here working to develop his skills and confidence. However, Rodon is injured and that leaves Tottenham a bit short on the left side, so we again see Eric Dier. The English defender has been steady thus far in the young season and Tottenham will be looking for his leadership Thursday.
Center-half: Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero did not have the best first start for Tottenham last week. He mistimed his step on the through ball that became the goal and was caught flatfooted a couple of times defensively. Playing next to the experience Dier should help as should the improved team in front of him. It may take Romero a bit to get fully up to speed but expect to see some glimpses of what that might look like against Paços.
Right fullback: Matt Doherty
We know that Serge Aurier was not placed on the player list for these two playoff games so he will not be playing Thursday. It could be possible that we see Japhet Tanganga based on how well he has been playing, however, with the idea of building depth and the squad in mind, instead, we get Matt Doherty. At times last season Doherty looked a real fit and other times he looked completely out of place. The reality with Doherty is likely somewhere in-between the two but he should be a step or two above Paços.
Goalkeeper: Pierluigi Gollini
After being sent out to the media on Wednesday it would be quite surprising if Pierluigi Gollini did not start on Thursday. Tottenham let Paulo Gazzaniga and Joe Hart go and signed Gollini on loan for a reason, which is to play. Gollini has looked solid overall in his opportunities but will really be looking to get a clean sheet and help the team qualify for Europe, which will mean more playing time for him and many of the others on the pitch.