Following a disappointing loss to Everton in the Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping to clinch their first win of the new season as they face Lokomotiv Plovdiv in the second qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League on Wednesday. Jose Mourinho will be desperate for a win knowing a mishap might lead to unwanted criticism after Carlo Ancelotti bested his side on Sunday.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Lokomotiv Plovdiv
Defence
A midweek trip to Bulgaria is undoubtedly going to be difficult. So we are expecting Mourinho to make some changes while resting some of the key players.
Joe Hart, in particular, was signed for free this summer and is tipped to make his debut for Tottenham, replacing Hugo Lloris in goal.
Another new signing Matt Doherty, however, might have to return to the bench as he could be useful in the weekend fixture against Southampton. Serge Aurier is likely to replace him at right-back, although no such change is expected on the opposite flank, with Ben Davies being a guaranteed starter.
Toby Alderweireld might be given a breather at centre-back, paving the way for Davinson Sanchez to make his first appearance of the campaign. Unfortunately, youngster Japhet Tanganga is out, so Eric Dier will continue to feature at the heart of Tottenham’s backline.
Midfield
Harry Winks provided very little to the table for Tottenham Hotspur in the last game. He should be replaced by Tanguy Ndombele, who is fit and could have an excellent opportunity to make an early impression, following a disastrous debut campaign in the Premier League last season.
The Frenchman is naturally supposed to play alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. But, the ex-Southampton star might be rested for the weekend game against his former club, meaning we could see Moussa Sissoko returning to the starting lineup, forming the double-pivot with Ndombele.
Attack
Tottenham are yet to sign a backup for Harry Kane, meaning the English international will be forced to start against Lokomotiv Plovdiv this midweek.
The same cannot be said for Son Heung-Min, who is likely to make way for Steven Bergwijn, while Lucas Moura is a guaranteed starter at right-wing. These two will be partnered by Erik Lamela in the attacking midfield slot.
Dele Alli is another option in that specified role or even as a potential alternative for Kane at center-forward while Giovani Lo Celso is a major doubt heading into this game.
