Tottenham projected XI for Premier League trip to West Ham

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Sergio Reguilon of Tottenham Hotspur is fouled by Jonjo Shelvey of Newcastle United, which leads to a red card being shown during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on October 17, 2021, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) /

Tottenham projected defence

Tottenham will again have a back four. While three of the four defenders and frankly the goalkeeper all played decent against Vitesse – under constant pressure – it is unlikely any of the group moved into the top backline.

Sergio Reguilon – Left-back

Sergio Reguilon has been improving with each week this season, having one of his better games as a member of Tottenham against Newcastle in his last outing. Reguilon was a consistent outlet for the team down the left, allowing Son to pinch in. His patience and calm on the ball to pick his head up and play a nice square ball to Ndombele for Spurs’ first goal showed some of his growth.

Eric Dier – Center back

Eric Dier may always have a mistake in him but his overall leadership and general consistency defensively keep him in the line-up. It would be nice if some of the mental errors would disappear but it just may not happen for the defender. That said, Dier is the best left-sided center-half Spurs currently have and he gets the nod against Antonio.

Cristian Romero – Center back

Maybe the biggest advantage Dier has in this encounter with Michail Antonio is his partner Cristian Romero. The Argentine has shown that he is a top-notch defender who loves to attack the ball. Romero’s comfort being the more aggressive defender makes life easier for DIer but can also leave the team exposed if Romero does not reach his intended target. Better communication will help as will more time with Romero who has the potential to be a world-class defender.

Emerson Royal – Right-back

Japhet Tanganga played okay on Thursday but okay is not going to unseat Emerson Royal at this point. Royal is tireless on the right side of the pitch and is always willing to run into the attack. Showing himself to be a better-than-average defender with room to grow, Royal may be Spurs’ best chance to keep Aaron Cresswell pinned deep defending for West Ham.

Hugo Lloris – Goalkeeper

Hugo Lloris has three clean sheets on the season but the last was well over a month ago. West Ham may not be the team to get his next shutout against but Lloris is definitely the top option between the sticks for Spurs.