This is what Tottenham's Starting Eleven could look like on EPL Opening Day
By Kian Long
Tottenham Hotspur face Leicester City away from home in their opening day of Premier League action. It will mark the beginning of Ange Postecoglou's second season in charge, where he will hope to make even more progress on the first.
Tottenham had a great summer. Firstly, they played well throughout pre-season, getting some good results against some big teams and picking up some invaluable experience. Secondly, they strengthened well in key positions in the summer transfer window, with four new transfers being brought to North London for the season ahead.
Against Leicester, Tottenham will be favourites. However, the Foxes will also be eager to impress on their return. That said, this is what Tottenham's Starting Eleven could look like on the EPL opening day...
This is what Tottenham's Starting Eleven could look like on EPL Opening Day
Goalkeeper and Defence
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie
Tottenham Hotspur needn't change their strongest back four (and goalkeeper) from last season. In fact, it was one of their strongest positions from last season, despite what their defensive record may suggest.
Ange Postecoglou will opt for Guglielmo Vicario between the sticks, just as he did for the whole of last season. It took Vicario next-to-no time to find his feet in North London and this season, he will hope to make even more of an impact.
Vicario will be covered by the usual two culprits, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Keeping the Copa America winner, despite interest from Real Madrid, was absolutely huge for Tottenham's upcoming season as he has a great relationship with Micky van de Ven, who was another great signing last season.
Off the right, it will be Pedro Porro. The Spaniard needs no introduction, he's probably the best attacking defender in the league. Then, off the left will be Destiny Udogie, who will be eager to go this season without injury.
Midfield
Bentancur, Sarr; Maddison
Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall impressed in pre-season but I cannot imagine they will be thrown into the deep end in the Premier League just yet.
Instead, the usual selection of Pape Sarr will be made for Tottenham. However, he will not be with his usual partner in Yves Bissouma, who is currently suspended for poor behaviour by Ange Postecoglou. Instead, experienced midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur should start, opening the door for Archie Gray later in the line.
Then, bridging the gap between midfield and attack will be James Maddison. He was one of the best players at the club last season, so he will be eager to further kick off for the Lilywhites in this campaign.
Attack
Kulusevski, Solanke, Son
Dominic Solanke making his league debut for Spurs at the first attempt - Who says no? He was signed to play week in, week out, after all. Ange Poestecoglou has already hinted that the English striker could start against Leicester and after a near-full pre-season with Bournemouth, we don't see why not.
This will return Son Heung-Min to his strongest and favoured position, at left-wing. Son was the top goal-scorer in the league for Spurs last season, so he will be eager to have a similar impact this time around, but it will be difficult for him to keep his place at the top, with Solanke promising goals.
On the right-wing, Dejan Kulusevski will continue to be the bright spark which Tottenham fans know him as. The Swedish international spent some time as the striker in pre-season and, to be fair, he played it well. But he will have the best impact off the right.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup vs Leicester
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son