The Tottenham team that should start the midweek tie in Manchester

Five-min Midfield to battle United

Given where Spurs have depth available, central midfield and wing-back, starting with a five-man midfield and only two strikers makes sense. Even more importantly, the performance against Everton went up considerably once Spurs shifted formation, and this could not have been lost on Conte and the staff.

Left-wing-back – Ryan Sessegnon

Ryan Sessegnon did not start against Everton after two straight starts for the team. Perisic was good on the attacking end on Saturday and did the job defensively. Against United, on the road, expect the defense to be the top priority and Sessegnon to get the initial nod.

Central midfield – Rodrigo Bentancur

The South American midfielder picked up what he likely considered a cheap first-half yellow against Everton, which stymied his defensive aggressiveness the rest of the match. However, when the game was still in the balance, Bentancur made the run around Kane down the line and then played the ball into his midfield mate for Spurs second to seal the victory.

Central midfield – Yves Bissouma

Playing his best stretch yet in Lilywhite at the weekend, Yves Bissouma looks like a player ready to grab some minutes. Bissouma adds, even more, steal to a hardened central midfield, and his range of passing and ability on the ball should help unlock more opportunities going forward.

Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg

Showing calm in front of the goal on Saturday, it was our Danish midfielder giving Spurs the second goal and some breathing room. Pierre Hojbjerg has continued to grow his game and is second on the team with three goals this campaign. An iron man since arriving three seasons ago, having an additional body to cover in the middle of the park will hopefully help Hojbjerg continue to last.

Right-wing-back – Matt Doherty

This is one position of decision for Conte on Wednesday, as his primary option – Emerson Royal – is still serving a three-match ban. After a good game on Saturday, it might make sense to give more minutes to Matt Doherty; however, coming off his knee surgery, a second match this closely after may be a risk. The next two options after Doherty would be Lucas Moura, who is recovering from injury, and Djed Spence, who we would like to see but seems to need more time.