Tottenham travel to Southampton on Saturday hoping to cement their place in the Premier League’s top four. Antonio Conte’s side have struggled with consistency and will want to build on a positive performance in their 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Conte has at least two big decisions to make at left-wing-back and up front, where Richarlison has demanded more game time. Here is how Spurs could line up against Southampton.
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster has been given an extended run in the Spurs team due to Hugo Lloris’ serious ligament injury. The former Saints star has impressed in his Premier League and Champions League appearances and will play against his old club on Saturday.
Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Eric Dier, Clement Lenglet, Ben Davies
Pedro Porro has settled into Conte’s preferred team despite a difficult start with Spurs. The Spaniard could start ahead of Emerson Royal at right-wing-back.
Conte’s biggest decision comes on the left of the defence. The Italian said of Ben Davies in midweek: “These type of players are vital for every manager.”
That suggests the experienced Welshman could continue at left-wing-back after being moved back into the position in recent weeks. Conte’s decision to use Davies would see Perisic remain out of the side while Cristian Romero, Erik Dier and Clement Lenglet are likely to play in the middle of the two wing-backs in a back three.
Midfielders: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp
With Rodrigo Bentancur ruled out for the season and Yves Bissouma also struggling for fitness, Oliver Skipp has stepped up superbly. The academy graduate was surely considered for Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad.
There was no maiden senior call-up this time but continue his excellent performances and the 22-year-old will surely find himself in the international reckoning soon.
If Conte wishes to rotate his squad, he has Senegal starlet Pape Matar Sarr ready to build on a few recent impressive cameos. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a nailed on starter, like most weeks.
Attackers: Richarlison, Harry Kane, Son Heung-min
Richarlison was handed a rare start in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest. The Brazilian – who complained about Conte’s treatment of him several weeks ago – was brought in for the under-performing Dejan Kulusevski.
The former Everton striker has still not scored a Premier League goal for Spurs. His only strikes have come in the same Champions League group game against Marseille at the start of the campaign.
Conte demanded more from Richarlison after biting back at the 26-year-old’s recent comments. Richarlison could be given another opportunity to start alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
Stay connected with us on social media platform for instant update click here to join our Twitter, & Facebook
We are now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@TechiUpdate) and stay updated with the latest Technology headlines.
For all the latest Football News Click Here
