The Tottenham team that should face Portsmouth in the FA Cup

Tottenham projected Defense

Defensively Conte has a few options and is likely to use them.

Left-back – Ben Davies

As a substitute against Palace, Ben Davies is likely back in the starting line-up against Pompey. Davies could very well be the team captain, based on our projections. Expect Davies to look to get forward early and often.

Center-back – Davinson Sanchez

It is difficult to say that Davinson Sanchez instills a lot of confidence at center-back in a back-three, but Sanchez needs the minutes he should be able to handle the work. Not a player made for a back-three formation, Sanchez could use a good match.

Right-back – Japhet Tanganga

We have Sanchez playing centrally, as we expect Conte to give more time to another academy product in Japhet Tanganga. Tanganga is another player whose growth has seemed to stall with a lack of minutes and availability after battling several injuries.

Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster

Fraser Forster deputized for Hugo Lloris in the loss to Villa after the World Cup, but we expect better results for Forster and Spurs in this game. Forster is still a solid shot blocker imposing in the box with his size. It is that ability to react quickly to make the second save where Forster seems to be a step slower than he used to be. Hopefully, that will not be a factor on Saturday.