Tottenham, Conte stick with 3-4-3 for Everton at home in EPL

There were thoughts Antonio Conte could go back to a 3-5-2 formation for Everton, but Tottenham and the Italian stick with the 3-4-3. Here is Spur’s team to face the Toffees.

Although Conte has spoken of rotation, ultimately, injuries and availability lead to more change than not. The one thing not changing for Spurs on Saturday for Everton is the formation, a 3-4-3, which Tottenham used midweek in the Champions League. With eyes on a third straight win in all competitions and second straight in League, here is the Tottenham starting 11.

Tottenham Forwards to face Everton

Midweek using three forwards seemed a forgone conclusion, with Lucas Moura and Dejan Kulusevski seemingly available for this weekend. However, Deki picked up a knock in training, and there were some questions about Richarlison’s fitness after sustaining a hit on his knee midweek.

As it turns out, Richarlison is available and in the starting line-up along with stalwarts Harry Kane and Heung-min Son. Lucas and Bryan Gil are on the bench to give Conte some attacking options.

Spurs Midfield to take the Toffees

Some fans may prefer the 3-5-2 for the numerical advantage it creates in the middle of the park, but Conte prefers more attackers on the pitch and trusts his four men to get back defensively.

When opting for four across the middle, it is more of a surprise if Pierre Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur are not the two in the middle. Hojbjerg remains an ironman for Tottenham, and Bentancur is consistently available as an outlet on the ball.

Both wing-backs have changed for the Everton match. Ivan Perisic has been recalled on the left, replacing Ryan Sessegnon, and he should find some joy playing against Seamus Coleman on Everton’s right. 

Across the pitch, Matt Doherty is again replacing the suspended Emerson Royal and should be better this weekend after knocking off some rust against Brighton.

Even without Royal available, there is a wealth of options in the midfield, with Yves Bissouma, Oliver Skipp, and Djed Spence all at the ready, along with Sessegnon.

Tottenham Defense

There is only one change in Spur’s defense, with Ben Davies coming in for Clement Lenglet, as has been the case in the last few weeks. Hugo Lloris, Eric Dier, and Cristian Romero all retain their places in the back of the Tottenham formation.

Davinson Sanchez,  Lenglet, and Fraser Forster remain the only defensive options in reserve, with Japhet Tanganga again not on the bench.