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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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 19: Hugo Lloris and Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur exchange words during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at Etihad Stadium on February 19, 2022, in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Spurs projected defence

Although Ben Davies came back a bit early and Joe Rodon was outstanding for Wales, we should expect to see some familiar names in a familiar shape defensively.

Left-back – Ben Davies

In his pre-match press conference, Conte said that Davies had a little something but that it was taken care of. Given that Davies should be available, he will start on the left of the back-three. Davies should have the opportunity to get on the ball a bit as he pressures Jacob Murphy and Chris Wood, neither of which are particularly effective in hold-up play.

Center-back – Eric Dier

Likely a bit perturbed he did not get a call-up, Eric Dier has the next seven weeks to try and force his way back into the England conversation. Dier has been good all season for Spurs, and like Hojbjerg, he seems to understand better his role and how to play it.

Right-back – Cristian Romero

Talk about a player who understands their role and how to play it; Cristian Romero has looked every bit the Serie A defender of the season most of us thought we were getting over the last month. Both fully recovered from a terrible leg injury and fully acclimated to Conte’s system. Romero should get better and better as he plays more games.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

Hugo Lloris will be looking to make that four out of six on Sunday, having earned a shutout in three of his last five games in league play. Lloris is one of the few Spurs players who has genuinely tasted success at the highest level, captaining France to the previous World Cup trophy. With a massive race ahead for Tottenham, their captain and the most experienced player needs to lead from the back.