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Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for the north London Derby

By Aaron Coe

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Harry Kane, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Oliver Skipp, Davinson Sánchez, Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on September 22, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Harry Kane, Ben Davies, Cristian Romero, Oliver Skipp, Davinson Sánchez, Son Heung-min, Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, Tanguy Ndombele of Tottenham Hotspur during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on September 22, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 2, 2021, in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 2, 2021, in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Tottenham projected defence

Tottenham will have almost reverted back to the original defense to start the season against Arsenal, almost. Instead of Davinson Sanchez starting, a different South American defender is likely going to get the nod.

Sergio Reguilon – Left fullback

Sergio Reguilon has had a decent start to the season. It has not been the flying start of last season but it has also not been the dregs of his time right after his injury. Instead, what we have seen has been a slightly more balance Reguilon, who has been as committed to his defensive duties as he has his desire to push forward in the attack. With Arsenal a very left-sided team, Reguilon may be a difference-maker against the Gunners’ right.

Eric Dier – Center-half

Eric Dier was a surprise starter last week against Chelsea so there is no reason to believe he will not get the nod against Arsenal. Sanchez was in this position midweek in the Carabao Cup, but the Columbian did not really impress, so assuming he is fit, Dier is the guy. With Pierre-Emerick Abuameyang likely to be hanging around him most of the day, Dier will need to be alert and communicative.

Cristian Romero – Center-half

Cristian Romero started last week over Sanchez and despite Spurs conceding three goals and Sanchez coming in for Romero, it will be the Argentine getting the call here. Romero is learning the ropes of the Premier League and was strong against Wolves midweek. While it was not a league match, it was against Premier League competition. If Romero can cause some turnovers with his aggressive stepping toward the ball, it could create some real counter opportunities for Tottenham.

Japhet Tanganga – Right fullback

Maybe one of the biggest calls for Santo to make is with the right fullback. Japhet Tanganga started the season there and played well but a red card, some other injuries, and a signing later and suddenly Tanganga may not be the number one right back. Ultimately, this match calls for having the player who is going to provide the best defense at this position, which means Tanganga gets the nod. Here is more on why we think Tanganga should start over Emerson Royal against Arsenal.