Tottenham Hotspur projected XI to face Southampton in the EPL

Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a goal during the FA Cup third round football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 5, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)
Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane celebrates after scoring a goal during the FA Cup third round football match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, on February 5, 2022. - - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Daniel LEAL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion battles for possession with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 05: Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion battles for possession with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images) /

Tottenham projected defence

It was a surprise not to see Eric Dier against Southampton in the FA Cup. According to Conte, the physios kept Dier out as a precaution. And if Dier was held back this past weekend, one might be safe to assume he will also miss this midweek affair, leaving Spurs with a predictable back-line. Then again, they might have sat him out in order to have him ready for Wednesday’s encounter. So don’t be surprised if you see him in the starting team. For argument’s sake, we’ll go without him in the first team, giving him another four crucial days of rest.

Left centre back – Ben Davies

After seeming like a revelation on the left side of a three-person defence, Ben Davies has settled in and has been getting the job done. Davies seems to relish the freedom he enjoys in his role, which allows him to push far up the pitch, often overlapping Reguilon. Spurs did not sign anyone even to back up, let alone supplant Davies, which tells us a lot about his future at the club.

Centre back – Cristian Romero

After missing nearly three months with a hamstring injury, Cristian Romero was back against Brighton, and he looked very much like his old self. Romero reads the game incredibly well, and his anticipation makes him an influential ball winner. Romero can be susceptible to overcommitting, something Conte will want to work on with the Argentinian, who promises to become one of the world’s best marshals.

Right centre back – Davinson Sanchez

After Romero got injured, some may have thought Spurs would struggle in defence. Instead, Davinson Sanchez has been trying to put a stranglehold on the position. Sanchez has been solid for the most part in Romero’s absence and continues to improve week-to-week. A confident player again, Sanchez will want to continue his strong play.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

Signed to a contract extension during the January transfer window, Hugo Lloris will start for Spurs again. Lloris has been strong and made several outstanding saves against Brighton to help Spurs maintain their edge. Hugo will not expect to be busy against Southampton but will still need to make two to three crucial saves for Spurs to win.