Tottenham Hotspur projected XI to face Newcastle United in EPL battle

By Aaron Coe | Apr 2, 2022

Tottenham Hotspur's South Korean striker Son Heung-Min (L) celebrates with Tottenham Hotspur's English striker Harry Kane (R) after scoring their fourth goal from a pass by Kane during the English Premier League football match between Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road in Leeds, northern England on February 26, 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 Jon Super / 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 JON SUPER/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 09: Rodrigo Bentancur of Tottenham Hotspur in action during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 09, 2022, in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /

Tottenham projected midfield

With Oliver Skipp and Ryan Sessegnon both still on the mend and unavailable for Newcastle, there are not many decisions in the Tottenham midfield.

Left wing-back – Sergio Reguilon

Working hard to make the position his again, after seemingly falling behind Sessegnon in the pecking order, Sergio Reguilon can be a difference-maker over the stretch run. A solid defender and attacker for the position, if Reguilon can find his wings and produce some service and end product to go with the places he has been finding, it will be a big finish for the Spaniard.

Central midfielder – Pierre Hojbjerg

Now possessing a firm grasp on the central midfield role under Antonio Conte, Pierre Hojbjerg has been solid as a rock for Tottenham. Looking more and more for an opportunity to play the ball forward, Hojbjerg is out of position, much less these days working more vertically in the middle of the park versus side to side.

Central midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur

A discussion for another time is whether it will ultimately be Rodrigo Bentancur or Hojbjerg that moves to the bench when Skipp is again healthy and fit. For now, the hope is Bentancur recovers well from his work with Uruguay in World Cup qualifying and is ready to go this weekend. Spurs playing on Sunday probably helps Bentancur more than any other player, which is vital for a player growing in importance for the team week-to-week.

Right wing-back – Matt Doherty

After seemingly being on his way out of the club a few months ago, Matt Doherty has taken control of the right wing-back position. Emerson Royal will still get some minutes, particularly as a substitute – as Doherty used to get – but the Irishman is holding down the job. Doherty is not as available as Royal typically is, but he does know what to do with the ball most of the time and can knock in a solid cross.