Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Season Opener vs Southampton

1 of 4

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 28: Eric Dier of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium on December 28, 2021 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) /

After a short summer, Tottenham Hotspur is back to real football; with their Premier League opener versus Southampton on Saturday, how will Spurs line up?

Although Spurs went on a transfer signing spree over the summer bringing in six new signings, the overall starting XI will likely not be that different than the one Antonio Conte used to end last season against Norwich.

Expect Tottenham to start in Conte’s preferred 3-4-3, but with five substitutes, the team could push forward or back more depending on the circumstances. With injuries, new and old, impacting Spurs’ first XI, here is the team Tottenham will start on Saturday, starting with the defence.

Tottenham Projected Defence

With Ben Davies recovering sufficiently from an injury during the preseason, Conte opts for the defenders he knows best.

Goalkeeper – Hugo Lloris

Undoubtedly the team’s number one stopper, the club captain, is coming off a good season and has eyes on chasing one more World Cup with France. Despite no clean sheets in the preseason, Lloris should be ready to go.

Left-back – Ben Davies

Davies was injured early in the preseason, and the team opted not to risk any further damage for the rest of the training camp. Davies was healed enough to make the bench for the preseason finale and gets the nod on Saturday as the most experienced left-back under Conte.

Centre-back – Eric Dier

One of the few regular Tottenham starters, which is not an automatic selection for his national team, Dier will be looking to build on a successful campaign last term. If the former England international can limit his mistakes on and off the ball, he can get back in Gareth Southgate‘s plans, starting with Saturday’s opener against the Saints.

Right-back – Cristian Romero

Crunching tackles throughout preseason like he was playing in a Champions League final, the Argentine defender appears hungry for the season ahead. One of the best defenders in the league last season; Romero should grow into a dominant force this year.