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Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for trip to Palace in the Premier League

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Oliver Skipp of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspu
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 22: Oliver Skipp of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Raul Jimenez of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on August 22, 2021, in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images) /

Tottenham Projected Midfield

Tottenham will stick with what has worked thus far which is a three-man midfield. Essentially in a triangle with the deepest player in the middle and either two side midfielders pushing up the pitch to support the attack. So far, this has given the Spurs some punch and plenty of protection, and that should continue against Palace.

Left midfielder: Dele Alli

Dele Alli has started the first three matches for Tottenham and there is no reason to think he will not be starting again. Presumably, Giovani Lo Celso should be pushing Dele for time but he is not available for selection.  Dele is going to have extra defensive duties on Saturday with Wilfried Zaha likely on his side as well as Connor Gallagher. How well Dele can track Gallagher and vice versa is likely to have a big impact on the match. Just at Gallagher is dangerous in the box so too is Dele, it is just about timing, Saturday will test whose timing is best.

Center midfielder: Oliver Skipp

There were some questions about whether or not Oliver Skipp would be able to go on Saturday after leaving the England U-21 match early with groin issues. Given Skipp’s participation in practice on Friday, it seems likely the academy product will be ready to go. Skipp has shown excellent timing defensively and an adequate range of passing. Both will be needed and potentially could be used to exploit Palace.

Right midfielder: Pierre-Emile Højbjerg

Pierre Hojbjerg has started this season much like he started last season, phenomenally. However, unlike last season, Højbjerg has actually been subbed off the pitch and even left at home for matches already. If the Viking can maintain his fitness and health he looks set for just a monster year all-around on both ends of the pitch. His ability to recover the ball will be key and his growing eye for a big pass should lead to some success for Tottenham.