Tottenham host struggling League One outfit Morecambe in Sunday’s third round FA Cup match, representing an ideal opportunity for Antonio Conte to rotate in fringe players.
Even if Conte opts for wholesale changes, Tottenham are expected to have enough to eliminate Morecambe, who are reeling in 19th place in League One. It’s the first time these two teams face each other in a competitive match.
Tottenham also get the benefit of playing at home, so the odds are stacked in the Premier League’s favour. Even with a number of injuries to contend with, there are bundles of different personnel options for Conte. Here are two he might decide to go with.
Tottenham projected starting 11 vs Morecambe
Defence
Surely this is Pierluigi Gollini‘s chance to start. Hugo Lloris deserves a rest after being berated at Stamford Bridge. The Frenchman’s services are not required against a lower division side that hasn’t gotten out of first gear this season. Antonio Conte is reportedly unconvinced with Gollini’s ability to perform at the highest level, but will want to see how the 26-year-old reacts to the pressure of a competitive fixture.
Japhet Tanganga is the only player from the Chelsea defeat who retains his spot in this starting team. Eric Dier returns from illness and should marshal Tottenham’s rearguard. His wealth of experience will allow Joe Rodon to come into the side. A niggling injury midweek prevented Rodon from starting against Chelsea, but he should be ready for this one.
Midfield
Harry Winks and Giovani Lo Celso replace Oliver Skipp and Pierre Hojbjerg, who will not feature in this one. Bryan Gil and Ryan Sessegnon start on either wing.
The Spaniard starts in a somewhat unfamiliar role on the right. While he prefers to play on the left, Tottenham’s lack of right wingback options force the gaffer’s hand. Matthew Doherty and Emerson Royal both started against Chelsea, while Sergio Reguilon, who is was unavailable midweek due to a minor injury, probably won’t be risked.
Forwards
The front three is an altogether novel trio, with Dane Scarlett getting a rare start. He featured in the Europa Conference League but hasn’t seen any action since. The 17-year-old suffered an ankle injury in November and hasn’t played since Conte took charge. Steven Bergwijn, who is about to return from injury, won’t recover in time for this one. And there’s no way Harry Kane features. Son Heung-min is injured and Lucas Moura will also be rested.
Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele support the lone front man. Both senior players, if they have any desire of being included in Conte’s future plans, need to showcase their superiority against the lowly League One side.
Tottenham alternate starting 11
Defence
Ben Davies only starts if Rodon isn’t able to brush off his minor ailment. Davinson Sanchez should get the afternoon off, while Tanganga gets a chance to redeem himself after a forgettable night at the office against Chelsea.
Midfield
It’s unlikely Conte will opt for a central midfield partnership of Tanguy and Gio. In this scenario, Tanguy misses out. Winks will anchor the midfield and provide Tottenham’s rearguard with an insurance policy.
Matt Doherty was withdrawn at halftime against Chelsea and should have enough petrol left in the tank to start. Sessegnon should come back into the team after a few weeks on the treatment table.
Forwards
Due to a lack of other options, Lucas Moura starts up front. Conte would prefer to rest the Brazilian, but he is the only available senior player outside of Kane who is somewhat comfortable stepping in as the lone front man. Unless Conte experiments with Ndombele up front, an extremely unlikely outcome.
Conte will most likely play with a diamond up front, catering for Dele, who is more comfortable in a central quasi No. 10 role. Gil employs a more advanced position in this option.