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Tottenham Hotspur projected XI for midweek trip to Burnley

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Harry Kane and Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 5, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Harry Kane and Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton & Hove Albion at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 5, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 12: Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg of Tottenham Hotspur gestures during the Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 12, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

Projecting Tottenham’s Midfield

The overall composition of what constitutes the Tottenham midfield will likely be different than against the Cityzens. Spurs were defensive-minded in that game, using attackers Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski as the wide players in a four-person midfield. Against Burnley, we will see Conte revert to his more traditional wing-back approach.

Left wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon

With Sergio Reguilon unavailable against Manchester City, Ryan Sessegnon got the start and made good use of his minutes. Not entirely comfortable on the ball, Sessegnon provided good defensive pressure and was in the right spot to help Spurs score their second. Likely to start one more time before Reguilon returns, Sessegnon will be looking to build on a solid outing.

Central midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur had a solid overall match against Manchester City and is likely to start again as a result. Facing a different kind of team, Bentancur will have the opportunity to show he has the range of passing that can help unlock a tough defence. Even though he conceded possession a few times against City, he was Influential in the build-up play and helped create Kane’s opener. Bentancur will want to show he can help dominate the middle of the park.

Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

With Oliver Skipp still unavailable, Pierre Hojbjerg is likely to start with Bentancur in the midfield. Which of the two sit when Skipp is back is for a later discussion but for how the Dane goes with Bentancur. Hojbjerg was not great in possession against Manchester City, but worked incredibly hard off the ball to win control numerous times. Against Burnely, Hojbjerg’s main job will be to keep the play in front of him and the Clarets pinned in.

Right wing-back – Emerson Royal

Playing more of a fullback role in the back five against City, Emerson Royal will again be out at wing-back. Royal could be one of the keys to the match as Burnley is likely to be deep and compact defensively. Good crosses from Royal can help create opportunities and space by forcing the defenders to come out to him.