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Tottenham projected XI as Spurs host Crystal Palace in the EPL

By Aaron Coe

Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (L) and Tottenham Hotspur's English defender Japhet Tanganga engage in a confrontation during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on September 11, 2021. ((Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Crystal Palace's Ivorian striker Wilfried Zaha (L) and Tottenham Hotspur's English defender Japhet Tanganga engage in a confrontation during the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park in south London on September 11, 2021. ((Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Emerson Royal of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Jacob Rasmussen of Vitesse 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: Emerson Royal of Tottenham Hotspur is challenged by Jacob Rasmussen of Vitesse 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 Midfield

At this point, we know that Conte can go with a five-man or a four-man midfield and that he sees the two formations as similar yet different in their approach. Palace is only the second team that runs a 4-3-3 Spurs have faced since Conte took charge and he did use the 3-5-2 against Liverpool’s 4-3-3 attack. Our guess is that formation had more to do with the strength of the opposition than it did the opposition’s formation, although we could be wrong and learn something about Conte in the process.

Right wingback – Emerson Royal

Matt Doherty had a solid runout at this position against West Ham in the cup, however, the position clearly belongs to Emerson Royal at this point. Royal is a good defender but still needs to work on the attack side of his game, especially his service. Still, only 22-years old Royal should continue to grow his offensive skillset.

Central midfield – Oliver Skipp

If Conte elects for a five-man midfield, it would likely be Skipp who would sit for Winks in the deep #4 position. However, in the four-man midfield, Skipp is going to be given an opportunity to play and continue to grow his game, as we have seen thus far this season.

Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

Seemingly spent by the end of the last match, Pierre Hojbjerg had still led the team in passes attempted and completed more than 87% of those attempts. One of those completed passes was his combo with Steven Bergwijn for Spurs opening goal, as the Danish international continues to look for opportunities in the box.

Left wingback – Sergio Reguilón

With Ryan Sessegnon out injured – again – there is little doubt that Sergio Reguilon will be starting on the left. It is quite possible that he again is substituted later in the match with the games forthcoming, with Japhet Tanganga’s flexibility continuing to pay him dividends in terms of minutes and opportunities. Reggy will likely have to track Conor Gallagher from his position on the left, with Gallagher being one of Palace’s brightest players this season.