Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for north London derby
By Aaron Coe
Tottenham projected defence
Spurs are still working with a somewhat makeshift defence as Eric Dier is still out and Romero is not quite ready for a full 90 minutes. After giving one youngster a chance for a few matches, we believe Conte will make a change on Sunday.
Left-back – Ben Davies
At this point, there really is no other name to write down in this position. We have seen Japhet Tanganga and Davinson Sanchez give it a run to limited effect. With Dier out, Davies has been the consistent performer defensively but Spurs need more. Davies needs to show more leadership in defence with Dier and Romero out, hopefully, he does that Sunday.
Centre-back – Joe Rodon
After Tanganga had back-to-back opportunities and ended up as the person most responsible for the last three goals Spurs have conceded, it is time for a change. Joe Rodon was billed as Dier’s backup and with the Englishman still out injured, Rodon needs to get his chance. If Rodon is not up for the challenge of the League, better to find that out against a weakened Arsenal than against Leicester or Chelsea.
Right-back – Davinson Sanchez
One player who has actually benefited from Romero’s absence is Davinson Sanchez. Whereas Tanganga has shown he may not be up to level yet, Sanchez has been playing consistently well for the majority of Conte’s brief tenure. Sanchez still has some issues to work out as it relates to clearing the ball but his overall play and confidence have been high of late.
Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris
After being one of the more controversial moves to the bench against Chelsea, Hugo Lloris is again back in Tottenham’s starting line-up. Lloris has been playing rather well since Conte’s arrival and talk seems to be that he will be signed to a new contract soon. Spurs will likely need one or two big saves Sunday, Lloris should be up to the task.