Tottenham Hotspur projected 11 for trip to Southampton

There’s a strong case, with just a two days between matches, for squad rotation. Players need rest to be at their best. It’s simple.

However, the adage if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it comes to mind. Conte will be thrilled by the momentum Tottenham have gained, which, even more impressively, wasn’t adversely impacted by the recent Covid outbreak.

Which is why, even considering the incredibly short timespan between matches, Conte will make as few changes as possible.

Forwards

The front three are untouchable, such is their current form and chemistry. Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura will start against Southampton. All three were brilliant against Crystal Palace and will retain their spots in the first 11. Steven Bergwijn and Dele Alli are waiting in the wings for a chance to further impress Conte, but will have to be patient for their next opportunity.

Midfield

Changes are possible in midfield, though I don’t expect Conte to shuffle the spine of his team. Both Oliver Skipp and Pierre Hojbjerg are finding their groove as a duo in the centre of the park. Harry Winks and Tanguy Ndombele are viable options, but Skipp and Hojbjerg look incredibly fit and won’t miss out purely due to a lack of rest.

Ndombele doesn’t really make sense for an away match at St. Mary’s. He isn’t the most reliable defensively and is not the type of player who grafts out results in such a hostile environment. Winks is a fair consideration based on his recent revival, though Hojbjerg, who was withdrawn in the 79th minute against Palace in preparation of Tuesday’s match, is a guaranteed starter.

Winks, like Dele and Bergwijn, will have to wait patiently for his next top flight start.

Matthew Doherty comes into the team, giving Emerson Royal a deserved rest. The Brazilian enjoyed an accomplished outing on Sunday, but, after a rather difficult month, won’t be physically ready to play two in such short succession.

Conte might also err on the side of caution with Reguilon, especially after his recent thigh troubles. If he doesn’t play, Tanganga and Davies will start, with Davies adopting the more advanced wing-back role.

Defence

Ben Davies will replace Japhet Tanganga, who enjoyed a sterling display against Palace. The young Englishman deserves a rest, allowing Davies to come back into the first team. Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez are two more players on the roster who are certainties when Conte releases his starting 11.