Tottenham Hotspur are looking to build on their momentum when they visit Bulgaria to face Ludogorets on Thursday. The Lilywhites are coming on the back of a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, in what was their first home win in the league this season. They have also performed admirably away from home, so sealing three points will be a priority for Jose Mourinho’s men especially after facing a 1-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp last week.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Ludogorets
Defence
Mourinho is expected to shuffle his pack in defence, with the Portuguese tactician having one eye on the important Premier League fixture against West Brom on Sunday.
Toby Alderweireld, in particular, should be rested, thus paving the way for Davinson Sanchez to return to the Spurs defence. Joe Rodon, unfortunately, cannot be an option on Thursday, so Ben Davies is most likely to operate at centre-back, alongside Sanchez.
Elsewhere, Serge Aurier is almost guaranteed to replace Matt Doherty at right-back, though the same cannot be said for Sergio Reguilon as Mourinho doesn’t have any alternatives, especially with Davies playing at centre-back. There could, however, be an alteration in goal, with Hugo Lloris making way for Joe Hart.
Midfield
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg did pick up a slight niggle in the win over Brighton & Hove Albion. So he is expected to be rested this midweek, paving the way for Harry Winks to start. The same can be said for Giovani Lo Celso, who might replace Moussa Sissoko and operate alongside Winks at the base of Tottenham’s 4-3-3 formation.
Erik Lamela, too, will hope to start in the attacking midfield role, replacing Dele Alli following his woeful display against Royal Antwerp last time out.
Attack
As far as the attacking department is concerned, Mourinho is more than expected to rest Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min, with Lucas Moura one player almost guaranteed to return to the starting lineup.
Gareth Bale is another possibility after scoring his first goal on the weekend, since returning to Tottenham. He will be full of confidence while operating in that wider attacking role alongside Lucas.
The Spurs attack, meanwhile, should be spearheaded by new signing Carlos Vinicius. The forward couldn’t impress last week but will be desperate to provide a strong showing against Ludogorets.
