Tottenham Hotspur projected XI to face Chelsea in the Premier League

Spurs projected midfield

While Kane and Bergwijn took all the headlines from the comeback against Leicester City, the Tottenham midfield performed well and Conte may have found something. A central threesome that was horrendous together under Nuno Espirito Santo, looks to fill a lot of Conte’s needs when following the right approach.

Left wing-back – Sergio Reguilon

Back in the starting XI against Leicester City, we can expect Spaniard Sergio Reguilon to again start against Chelsea, moving Ryan Sessegnon to the bench. Still adapting to playing the wing-back position, Reguilon has only one of his three assists from that role. Gives a good shift and will hopefully get the position figured out.

Central midfield – Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg

One of the most unsung heroes of Spurs win versus the Foxes was Pierre Hojbjerg. In the last 3 minutes of the match along, Hojbjerg had a huge block in the box defensively and had the vital interception of an errant Youri Tielemans pass, which led to the game-winner. Hojbjerg has shown more versatility than advertised this season and did well in Conte’s box-to-box role.

Defensive midfield – Harry Winks

Back as part of the future of Tottenham Hotspur, Harry Winks has been doing what he does well for the last couple of weeks, which is to move the ball and stick his nose in on defence. Winks rotated well with Hojbjerg in particular as they took turns playing in the backline to allow either Japhet Tanganga or Ben Davies to push up the pitch. Spurs have been better with Winks on the pitch so he starts again.

Central midfield – Oliver Skipp

Continuing to grow right in front of our eyes, Oliver Skipp put in a heck of a shift against Leicester himself. Unlucky not to have an assist and clearly looking for that opportunity to score his first Spurs goal of the season and career. His willingness to defend in the attacking half with gusto along with Hojbjerg adds some real bit to Spurs midfield that was not there previously.

Right wing-back – Matt Doherty

This is another position where there is a big possibility of there being a change. While I do not believe Matt Doherty has passed Emerson Royal in Spurs pecking order, clearly the Brazilian was not right in the first half against Leicester and Conte confirmed that at his presser on Friday. With Chelsea as the last match before another international break, it makes little sense to push Royal, particularly after Doherty had one of his better outings as a Spur.