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.
Tottenham midfield projections
We can expect about as much rotation in the midfield as there was in the defence with the majority of the players being swapped. After the all-out effort from Sunday, it is probably good to get the wide players in particular a rest.
Left wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon
Playing just over 10 minutes against Leeds, Ryan Sessegnon looked healthy, fit, and strong. He was unable to show off his speed, which was once a real asset, but he did demonstrate a willingness to fight for the ball and showed a confidence not seen in some time. Thursday will be a big opportunity for the young left-sider, let’s hope he can take it.
Center-midfield – Tanguy Ndombele
Speaking of opportunities we hope are taken, Tanguy Ndombele getting the chance to play in the middle of the park is certainly one of them Ndombele was called out in the press conference before Leeds as one of the players that needed to work extra hard to fit within the structure and meet the requirements of Conte’s system. Thursday against a team he should rightfully dominate, Ndombele gets his first chance under Conte.
Center-midfield – Harry Winks
The question with this position is if Oliver Skipp goes in after his suspension or if Winks keeps the role with Skipp returning on the weekend. Our bet is that Winks gets another chance to show he can play the kind of football Conte is looking for. Traditionally, Winksy has done well against lesser teams and Thursday should be no exception.
Right wing-back – Matt Doherty
The right wing-back position is one where any one of several players could get the call on Thursday. Emerson Royal has been the top choice thus far for Conte and that could continue for the Brazilian with seemingly limitless stamina. Japhet Tanganga could get another opportunity to play after getting some good minutes at back versus Leeds. However, Matt Doherty seems the one player most in need of a chance to show his worth and value to the team and gets the call in Slovenia.
Tottenham projected forwards
Like the other two areas of the pitch, there is again some but not complete rotation in the attack. Expect to see more changes after the interval but only two from the off.
Attacking midfielder – Dele Alli
Getting what most would consider mop-up minutes against Leeds, Dele Alli gets a chance to show himself. Conte is looking for players willing to work and that can help consistently connect the defense and the attack who can both distribute and score. At his best Dele is all of those things, however, Dele has not been at his best in some time and needs to graft his way to more minutes under Conte.
Forward – Steven Bergwijn
Clearly not thrilled at the end of Spurs win over Leeds at having not played, Bergwijn will have an opportunity Thursday. Bergwijn was successful with the Netherlands team over the international break scoring and assisting. To go where Spurs want to, they need a more potent attack, can Bergwijn provide it?
Forward – Harry Kane
The one holdover in the front line is Harry Kane. The thinking with Kane is that if he is making the trip – which is not a certainty – then he is going to play. If Kane is going to play, there is no reason not to play him from the start, so he is in the XI. Ideally, Kane gets a first-half hat-trick, as opposed to the second-half one he had in the home match – and is substituted at the break.
Full Spurs XI and the bench
Our projected XI has three hold-overs from the weekend, with Kane, Dier, and Winks all playing again.
From a substitute’s perspective, Conte has a lot of firepower in terms of attackers and plenty of defenders to hold a lead with many of his normal staring XI available.
Defenders Ben Davies, Japhet Tanganga, Emerson Royal, and Sergio Reguilon are joined by backup keeper Brandon Austin and club captain Hugo Lloris. In the midfield and attack, Tottenham has a number of regulars including, Pierre Hojberg, Heung-Min Son, Lucas Moura, and Oliver Skipp. Those 10 are joined by Bryan Gil back from injury and Dane Scarlett, who hopefully sees 45 minutes in the second half.
Tottenham XI – Gollini – Rodon – Dier – Sanchez – Sessegnon – Winks – Ndombele – Doherty – Dele – Bergwijn – Kane
Tottenham substitutes – Lloris – Austin – Reguilon – Davies – Tanganga – Royal – Skipp – Hojberg – Son – Moura – Gil – Scarlett