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Projected XI for Tottenham Hotspur as Spurs host Norwich

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Ben Davies, Oliver Skipp and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 2, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 02: Ben Davies, Oliver Skipp and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur after the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 2, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur passes the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and Vitesse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 04, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 04: Ben Davies of Tottenham Hotspur passes the ball during the UEFA Europa Conference League group G match between Tottenham Hotspur and Vitesse at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 04, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Projecting Spurs Defence

The one area where we think there will be a little rotation is on the defensive end, where we expect to see Japhet Tanganga back in at back for Davinson Sanchez. This is no knock on Sanchez, just part of the rotation we envision Conte establishing.

Left-back – Ben Davies

Looking as spry and lively as he ever has for Tottenham, Ben Davies seems to be growing in the left-back role. When he caught and then stole the ball from Ivan Toney on Thursday, it was truly a new Ben Davies playing defensively. Able to push-up and make the left side a real strength for Spurs without being completely out of position defensively this is a whole new world for Davies and he seems to be loving it.

Centre-back – Eric Dier

Eric Dier had a solid game against Brentford as he continues to lead the backline. His one real mistake was cleaned up and Dier, like Davies, seems quite comfortable in the role currently being asked of him. Tapping into his background as a midfielder, Dier can do what is required, while providing leadership.

Right-back – Japhet Tanganga

Watching Spurs win over Brentford a second time you can see a Davinson Sanchez who is growing in what he allows himself to do with the ball on the pitch. That said, this is the one position on the defence where Conte can actually rotate so he will. By starting Japhet Tanganga at back on Sunday, he can then put him at wingback on Thursday in the cup and get him two straight starts, while resting both Sanchez and Emerson one game each. Seems a likely rotation to keep everyone playing and fresh.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

After collecting his fifth shutout of the season on Thursday, Hugo Lloris will be looking to make it back-to-back shutouts for the first time since he got three straight to start the season. As much of a struggle as it has been for Spurs to score this season with just 13 goals in 13 games, Norwich only has 8 in 14 matches, with Hugo and Spurs looking to make it 8 from 15 after Sunday.