Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for north London derby

Tottenham projected midfield

We are anticipating Tottenham playing with a five-man midfield working to take advantage of one of the areas of the park Arsenal are currently thin.

Left wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon

The health of Sergio Reguilon is unclear and we are all hoping that we never see Matt Doherty at left wing-back again, so it would make sense that Ryan Sessegnon gets the start. Sessegnon seems to have a new lease on life under Conte but has not fully grasped his opportunity. With Takehiro Tomiyasu nursing a knock now is an opportunity for Sessegnon to grab the job and try and make it his own.

Central midfield – Giovani Lo Celso

After having a lackluster game in a hybrid forward/winger/midfielder role, Spurs need to find some rhythm for Giovani Lo Celso, and playing in the midfield can help do that. With a five-man midfield, there is room for more creative attacking midfielders, who have slightly fewer defensive responsibilities. This is the kind of job description right up Lo Celso’s alley.

Defensive midfield – Harry Winks

Harry WInks has been one of the few consistent performers for Tottenham over the last month. Winks is not perfect and missed some key opportunities against Chelsea. However, Winks typically works hard and at least tries to make some key forward passes that others seem more reluctant to make. Spurs need some good, quick possession, hopefully, Winksy can provide.

Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

This last midfield slot really comes down to Oliver Skipp and Pierre Hojbjerg. While we think Skipp has played better this season, in all likelihood, it will be Hojbjerg who gets the start. Pierre has had an up-and-down season with some really nice moments where he has sprung up in the box and made a difference. On the whole, however, his slow pace of place and tendency to move sideways rather than forward are burdensome within the team.

Right wing-back – Emerson Royal

Just a few days after turning 23, Emerson Royal is lining up against Arsenal for Spurs. Royal has received a lot of flack over the last month or so as he has not fully adapted to the new wing-back role Conte has him in. Overall Royal is adapting, getting up-and-down the flank well and almost always being available as a dependable outlet with the ball. We all know his end game and final pass into the box needs some work but Royal is not alone in this regard.