Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur are looking to continue their remarkable run of form when they face Ludogorets in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday. The Group J is nicely poised with Spurs level on points with second and third-placed Royal Antwerp and LASK, meaning this could be a must-win game for the Lilywhites as they look to advance to the next round.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Vs Ludogorets
Defence
Expect Jose Mourinho to ring in the changes following a win over Manchester City on the weekend that squeezed the best out of two centre-backs in Eric Dier and Toby Alderweireld, with the latter even picking up a late knock.
It should allow Davinson Sanchez to return to the side, but with Joe Rodon not yet registered in the Europa League squad, Ben Davies might have to feature at centre-back once again. There is, however, a possibility that youngster Japhet Tanganga returns to the squad, although it’s unlikely he will start following a long injury layoff.
Elsewhere, Matt Doherty is still isolating himself after contracting Covid-19. It means Serge Aurier should continue at right-back, especially with Gedson Fernandes being removed from the European squad while Sergio Reguilon should also continue on the opposite flank.
There could be a change in goal, with Joe Hart coming in at the expense of Hugo Lloris.
Midfield
Harry Winks is a guaranteed starter in midfield as Mourinho looks to shuffle his pack in the middle of the park. The duo of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Moussa Sissoko could both be useful in the upcoming game against Chelsea, so it will be wise to give them a rest this week. Tanguy Ndombele might also have to settle for a place on the bench, paving the way for Giovani Lo Celso to start alongside Winks in midfield.
Attack
Mourinho is set to face a selection dilemma in the final third as Erik Lamela’s absence, combined with the break for both Sissoko and Hojbjerg, could force him to start either of Harry Kane or Son Heung-Min.
The South Korean international is the favourite to do so. He is likely to operate as the number ten, just in behind the central striker Carlos Vinicius while Lucas Moura and Gareth Bale will look to provide the offensive support from the wider attacking positions.
