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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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Sergio Reguilón of Tottenham Hotspur
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 13: Sergio Reguilón of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on December 13, 2020, in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Spurs Defensive Four and Keeper

Defensively Tottenham has a back four and does not make as many changes as we think they might. Regardless of which direction Santo goes, he is likely to be giving someone their season debut, the question is if it is their Tottenham debut as well.

Left fullback: Sergio Reguilón

Much like Højbjerg, Sergio Reguilón started last season fast and then faded down the stretch. And like the Dane, Reguilón has likewise started this season well earning a re-call to the Spanish national team. Reguilón will have his hands full defensively with Wilfried Zaha on his side in Patrick Vieira‘s scheme. With Zaha, Gallagher, and Joel Ward on his side, Sergio is going to have to stay alert and be vocal when he needs help. Look for some interception opportunities for Sergio as Palace try to force balls toward Zaha.

Left Center-half: Eric Dier

Eric Dier has performed so well this season he was up for Premier League player of the month. While he has not yet earned a recall to the English team, he has settled the cries for finding his replacement. While the team clearly needs a left-footed center-half, like the case with Sanchez and Romero, the position is not just being handed over. Dier is a good leader and will need to be with Zaha looking to target big Christian Benteke in the middle.

Right Center-half: Joe Rodon

While it would be very tempting to push Japhet Tanganga inside and start Emerson. Maybe Selhurst Park for a London derby is not the optimal time to do so. Instead, despite not having any match minutes in the tank yet this year, Santo opts for Rodon to partner with Dier. Joe Rodon provides a more physical presence that Tanganga can and will be part of the rotation at center-half, so he might as well start playing.

Right fullback: Japhet Tanganga

The other benefit of not moving Japhet Tanganga into the center-half position is leaving the young fullback at fullback. Jordan Ayew is crafty but Tanganga will have some opportunities to get forward. With the ball likely to spend a lot of time on Tottenham’s left with Zaha and Gallagher, Tanganga will have to stay alert and should be able to help pin Palace in their own half.

Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris and France finally got back on track in their World Cup qualifying and as such Lloris is coming off a shutout against Finland. Likewise in the Premier League Lloris is now coming off of three shutouts. Tottenham is capable of another shutout and with the right gameplan can do so. That game plan ideally limits big chances for Palace and asks Hugo to make that one or maybe two big saves. With rumors of a new contract in the offing for the captain, another big game would be timely.