Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for Premier League trip to Watford

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Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 29: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring the opening goal with teammates during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Watford at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 29, 2021, in London, England. (Photo by Craig Mercer/MB Media/Getty Images) /

Projecting Spurs midfield

It seems most likely that Tottenham will be back to the four-man midfield on Saturday, after playing with five for much of the match against Southampton. That likely means Harry Winks is back to the bench.

Left wing-back – Sergio Reguilon

It seems some folks were trying to make something out of Sergio Reguilon’s halftime exit against Southampton. More likely than anything, Conte and company were trying to help avoid a second yellow on Reggy, given it looked like Southampton were trying to target him. However, with Sessegnon out and Doherty struggling on the left side, we can expect the Spaniard to be back in the line-up.

Central midfield – Oliver Skipp

After not playing for only the second time in the league this season against Southampton, we can expect Oliver Skipp to be back in the line-up. While Winks has been playing well, it would be more likely that he plays again if Spurs are again in 3-5-2. Instead, Skipp is back in action looking to find holes in the Watford defence.

Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

If anyone might need a little rest in the middle of the park it is Pierre Hojbjerg, however, like with Harry Kane, after three days to recover, we can expect to see Hojbjerg play. It would be interesting to see a Winks-Skipp midfield pairing but we do not expect it on Saturday, as Hojbjerg continues to play in the pivot.

Right wing-back – Emerson Royal

It may be that Conte is looking ahead to Chelsea on Wednesday and plays Japhet Tanganga against Watford at wing-back. However, we think given the rest between matches, it is more likely than not that Conte sticks with his strongest line-up which includes Royal, who gets up and down the flank with ease. There have already been improvements in Royal’s service since the start of the year and we should expect to see some that improved crossing on display on Saturday against Watford.