Spurs’ projected starting XI vs Crystal Palace

Heading into the second match following this season’s latest international break, manager Ange Postecoglou and his Spurs squad look to maintain their top spot in the Premier League on the road at Crystal Palace. The starting lineup should look similar to the past few matches, so let’s take a look.

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario

Of course it can’t be anyone else but the man they call Venom. Vicario has had an almost perfect start with the Lilywhites, showing that the choice to go with him over other rumored goalkeeper targets during the summer transfer window was the right one. The 27 year old Italian has a good chance to be Spurs’ first-choice keeper for the next decade, much like his predecessor and former club captain, Hugo Lloris.

Right Back: Pedro Porro

Strong improvements have been common under Postecoglou, and Porro is no exception to that. After an uneven start under former manager Antonio Conte following last January’s transfer, Porro has found his stride under the Australian manager. Another potential long term starting piece, like much of this projected 11, Porro should continue to make a strong impact on the pitch come Friday.

Center Backs: Cristian Romero & Micky Van de Ven

It seems like we have our next great center back tandem in the fiery Romero and the cool Van de Ven. The pair is already drawing comparisons to club greats Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld as the future of our defense, and for good reason. They’ve helped solidify a mostly shaky backline, and given Spurs fans even more hope for the club’s future. Furthermore, their offensive contributions (two goals for Romero and the game-winning goal away at Luton Town for Van de Ven) have helped Spurs vault to the top of the league.

Left Back: Destiny Udogie

Another one of former director of football Fabio Paratici’s smart signings, Udogie is making the former boss look like a genius. His play on both ends is a great compliment in Big Ange’s system, and he’s been rewarded with his first senior national team call up with Italy over the latest international break. He’s young, exciting and very talented with the ball at his feet. Look for his strong start to continue at Selhurst Park Friday.

Midfielders: James Maddison, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg & Pape Matar Sarr

As long as he’s healthy, Maddison will likely never leave Spurs’ starting XI. He’s the key creative piece to Ange’s attack, and is already regarded one of, if not the best, signing of the summer transfer window. The new No.10 is thriving in North London, and he should continue to do so.

I think Hojbjerg stays in the starting lineup following a solid performance Monday at Fulham. He plays transitional football exceptionally well, and is still beloved in the locker room by his fellow teammates. Although he’s not as dynamic as fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma, the Danish international is still a strong player in this squad.

Rounding out the midfield is Pape Matar Sarr. Although he came off early from the Fulham game, Ange has assured fans that Sarr’s “injury” is nothing serious, and therefore he’ll likely feature on Friday. He’s been a regular all season with a high work rate on and off the ball providing outlet passes for the center backs and even proving a strong defender.

Left Wing: Dejan Kulusevski

Another resurgent talent under the leadership of Postecoglou, the former Juventus attacker has thrived during his third season with the Lilywhites. Although he may not be as involved in goal contributions as Maddison and captain Heung-Min Son (more on him shortly), Kulusevski is still an integral part of the Spurs’ system. I have a feeling that another Deki goal is due come Friday. Let’s see if it happens.

Right Wing: Brennan Johnson

Finally healthy following an injury he suffered in the North London Derby draw against Arsenal, Johnson made a late match cameo in Monday’s victory. However, it’s now time to see what he can do in the starting lineup. Following a deadline day move from Nottingham Forest, the young attacker could easily be the next big piece for the gaffer, and putting him into the starting lineup to see what he can provide our attack would be a good idea against a struggling Crystal Palace team.

Striker: Heung-Min Son

Who else but the skipper should start at striker? One of the Premier League’s most prolific goal scorers has been reborn under the Aussie manager. Son has already scored seven times this season, and notched his first assist during the Fulham match. The South Korean captain has been sensational so far this campaign, and will look to continue his torrid pace this weekend.