Tottenham Hotspur have an enthralling North London derby this weekend against Arsenal, but they must concentrate first on Thursday night’s Europa League Round of 16 encounter against Dinamo Zagreb at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. They have recovered from a dreadful run and are counting on a Jose Mourinho masterclass to conquer silverware after years of despair.
Gareth Bale’s blistering form has relieved the Portuguese in recent weeks and the ship is sailing steadily in Europe with a commanding Round of 32 victory versus Wolfsberger AC. Spurs have met the Zagreb giants only once before, that too back in 2008 when they knocked them down 4-0 in the group stages of the then UEFA Cup.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Dinamo Zagreb
Defence
Although we have seen Joe Hart featuring between the sticks in the majority of European fixtures, Mourinho might restore skipper Hugo Lloris for the first leg tie to avoid complacency.
Serge Aurier is available again and might replace Matt Doherty in his preferred right-back role. With Joe Rodon not registered for the competition, the Lilywhites’ must restore Eric Dier in central defence alongside Toby Alderweireld. Sergio Reguilón has been rotated as well in recent weeks, but the gaffer should rely on the Spaniard to utilize his pace and attacking contribution with marauding runs from the left-hand flank of the pitch.
Midfield
Giovani Lo Celso has been ruled out for Tottenham who have all the other options available for selection in the middle of the park. A double pivot is likely to screen the defence and carry the ball forward, and we would prefer to see Moussa Sissoko lined up with Pierre-Emile Højbjerg for their high work ethics and aggression. Tanguy Ndombele and Hary Winks are there too who could be deployed later on.
Dele Alli has been reintegrated recently and should get the not to operate centrally as a ‘number 10’. Mourinho has ample wide attacking stars and should start Lucas Moura down the right resting Gareth Bale for the Arsenal clash. Son Heung-min has been exquisite all season and must retain his place on the other wing to maintain his chemistry with Harry Kane high up the pitch.
Attack
We expected to see more of Carlos Vinícius upfront, but a player of Kane’s profile can’t simply be ignored when on song. The Spurs hitman is tipped to spearhead the attack and add more to his tally before the derby day.
