Projecting Conte’s first Tottenham Hotspur EPL XI vs Everton

Tottenham’s projected defence

After conceding two goals and having a player sent off if Conte is likely to make a change at any level of the pitch, it would be with the defence. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out so Spurs catch a break there but Richarlison and Demarai Gray present a formidable one-two punch at the top of the Everton attack.

Left-back – Ben Davies

Conte is going to make some changes but not at all three positions so Ben Davies keeps his spot for now. Davies was solid against Vitesse and provides a naturally left-footed option. Whether Townsend or Alex Iwodi there will be athleticism opposite him, so maybe Joe Rodon gets a chance but likely Davies starts again.

Center back – Cristian Romero

Cristian Romero did not have a good match against Vitesse, where two awkward challenges got him sent off. With VAR or a different referee, he may not have been sent packing, but his performance in space was not great. That said, he is a better defender than Eric Dier and Dier was the closest defender on both goals and did little to prevent them.

Right-back – Davinson Sanchez

It is quite possible that Conte is content with his line-up from midweek and does not many any changes. However, we think he will and Sanchez will enter the side as a result. Sanchez was good in the air in his limited minutes against Vitesse but suspect on the ball. Everton is not likely to press as hard as Vitesse – who were competing like it was a Champions League final – so Sanchez should have time and be fine.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

Likely unsighted by Dier, Hugo Lloris will have wanted to have done better with the second goal, which was basically passed into the corner. Despite conceding the two, Lloris showed a strong hand on multiple occasions parrying away a couple of dangerous shots on target. Still out of contract at the end of the season, Lloris, like the rest of the team, needs to step up.