Spurs projected XI at Mura, rotation coming for Conte and Tottenham

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BURNLEY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 27: Pierluigi Gollini of Tottenham Hotspur reacts during the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on October 27, 2021, in Burnley, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) /

After only making two forced changes in his XI across his first three matches in charge of Tottenham Hotspur, expect Antonio Conte and Spurs to rotate players for their trip to NS Mura in the Europe Conference League.

Cristian Romero was injured playing for Argentina and Oliver Skipp was suspended for yellow card accumulation, otherwise, we might even assume Conte would not have changed his XI for Leeds United. However, with 13 games over 40 days for Spurs forthcoming – and none more winnable than NS Mura – we should expect some real midweek rotation, which we reflect in our projected XI.

Projected Tottenham Defence

Expect most of the back four – goalkeeper included – to be different for Mura, although it is conceivable, given Romero’s absence that one player keeps his spot.

Goalkeeper – Pierluigi Gollini

Getting his first start under his fellow Italian, Pierluigi Gollini is going to want to impress. Knowing that Lloris is in the final year of his contract and that opportunities may be limited, Gollini needs a big game. The truth is he will likely only have one or two opportunities, so he needs to make them in a game that Spurs should dominate from start to finish.

Left-back – Joe Rodon

While the Welsh defender has gotten lots of looks for his country, thus far under Antonio Conte, Rodon has not featured for Spurs. It is conceivable that Rodon plays in the middle but more likely he will be on the left, as besides Ben Davies – who played the first three matches under Conte – there are no other real left-sided options.

Center-back – Eric Dier

It is maybe a 50/50 proposition that Davies starts on the left with Rodon in the middle and Dier sits, but we went heads and sat Davies for Dier. The thought is Dier’s leadership will be important in keeping the backline organized in what may be a match short on defensive actions.

Right-back – Davinson Sanchez

Given nearly 30 minutes at the end of the match against Leeds United, Davinson Sanchez took full advantage of the opportunity. That is not to say Japhet Tanganga played poorly rather that Sanchez displayed a number of his strengths in his short time on the pitch. Thursday Sanchez should get more minutes and have the opportunity to show that he has the skills on the ball to excel in the Conte system.