Tottenham Hotspur projected 11 for trip to Nottingham Forest

Tottenham travels to City Ground to play a Premier League match for the first time in 23 years, with Antonio Conte’s side focused on extending their unbeaten run.

Spurs have a few personnel concerns ahead of Sunday’s match against newly promoted Nottingham Forest. Cristian Romero trained with the team for most of the week but won’t be available.

Conte can’t afford to risk one of his most important players early in the season. Oliver Skipp, who is starting to run more intensely after suffering a hairline fracture in his heel, is the other player who won’t take part.

Both players will be in a race against time to be ready for the Wednesday clash against West Ham.

Here’s Spurs’ projected 11 for the trip to Nottingham Forest.

Defence

Davinson Sanchez will retain his spot alongside Eric Dier and Ben Davies. But for a few nervy moments, the Colombian enjoyed a sturdy outing against Wolves. Sunday represents another excellent opportunity for Sanchez to show his growth and heightened maturity.

The other two staples know what’s expected and have been performing superbly since the start of the campaign.

Midfield

Ivan Perisic took a few knocks against Wolves but has trained all week and should retain his spot.

Ryan Sessegnon has done his utmost to make the decision difficult for Conte. However, Perisic offers a wealth of experience and thrived against Wolves. His ability to knock in a precise cross puts him in pole position to start.

Yves Bissouma is waiting patiently in the wings and might get a crack on Sunday, especially with West Ham on the midweek docket.

With the cohesion and chemistry his starting 11 is showing, Conte won’t want to alter things too much. However, he’ll have to start thinking about rotation; such is the demanding nature of Spurs’ schedule.

Forest presents an excellent opportunity to give Bissouma a go. It’s the type of physical encounter he is made for. If he starts, Pierre Hojbjerg will probably be sacrificed.

Matthew Doherty might get the nod on the right, again with West Ham on Wednesday to consider.

However, Conte has, on numerous occasions in the past, stuck with the same starting 11 in two matches within days of each other.

Forwards

Richarlision will hope his inspired play off the bench is enough to usurp Son Heung-min, at least temporarily. Although Forest away presents a perfect chance for Sonny to rediscover his mojo.

Conte should stick with his tried and tested triumvirate of Sonny, Harry Kane, and Dejan Kulusevski.

However, if Sonny doesn’t perform well, look for Conte to pull the trigger on Richarlison early in the second half.