Tottenham Hotspur projected XI as Brighton come to London

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team-mate Harry Kane during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 20, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: Heung-Min Son of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates scoring his side's second goal with team-mate Harry Kane during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 20, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images) /
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BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - APRIL 09: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur tackles Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on April 9, 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 09: Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur tackles Emiliano Buendia of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park on April 9, 2022 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Projecting Spurs Defence

Fortunately, like the attacking line for Tottenham, Spurs’ defence has been a solid unit that is not facing any new injuries, meaning we should expect a familiar group defending Spurs’ goal.

Right-back – Cristian Romero

Tackles were flying in last weekend as the Villa players were doing their best Steven Gerrard impersonations. However, from Spurs’ side, it was Cristian Romero, again and again, putting on a defensive clinic demonstrating how to win tackles with minimal contact. Romero exudes class on and off the ball, a player with a fierce drive to succeed; he is someone to build the entire defence around.

Center-back – Eric Dier

Eric Dier did not have the best passing day against Villa last weekend. However, his early longball that bounced to Kane and eventually Son for the opening goal was significant. Dier’s first job is being steady on the ball, and his second is keeping the line in order. With Brighton sporting a new formation that emphasizes the midfielders running in, Dier will have to keep the team organized defensively.

Left-back – Ben Davies

Ben Davies hardly played a foot wrong against Villa, as the Welshman was solid with his passing and did his part defensively. At home as a left-back, Davies is one of the real success stories under Conte with his steady play.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

After an incredible day last weekend, Hugo Lloris will be looking to get consecutive clean sheets, both against Brighton and in League play. Brighton has been inconsistent finishing this season but is capable of scoring in bunches. Spurs will again need a good day from Lloris, just hopefully not quite as big of a day as the one he had against Villa.