We expect Tottenham to do quite a lot more transfer business before the season begins – and certainly by the end of the month.
Managers like to have their ducks in order by the time the campaign starts but it usually isn’t possible and Mauricio Pochettino has spent much of the summer getting rid of players in order to streamline the Tottenham squad.
But he has added real quality at the back with Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Trippier.
Both may start against Manchester United in a huge first test (Kick off 12:45 local time, Saturday 8th August).
Hugo Lloris is injured so Michel Vorm will likely step in for now.
Further forward we would still like to see another midfielder join the squad to add depth.
But Dembele and Bentaleb are strong players and we have no doubt about their ability to shield the defence.
It’s pretty much as you were in attack.
We would play Eriksen, Chadli and Lamela in there for now, with the big man up top of course.
We expect to see another forward join Tottenham this month but they are looking pretty sharp already.
So here is our strongest XI for the season opener.
Tottenham fans: let’s have your elevens.
Reklaw
Aug 3, 2015 at 10:50 pm
I wouldn’t put my money on that being the starting 11 on Saturday. I wouldn’t argue with the back 4. But don’t expect either of Bentaleb or Dembele playing the DM role or being a more Defensive of 2 CMs.
Eric Dier will be the most likely starter in the midfield. Occupying a ‘Wanyama’ role. Expect to see this a lot next season. While Spurs are likely to sign a first choice starting CDM we would certainly need a backup. Players like Dembele, Bentaleb and even Mason are not built for this role. While they can ply the trade there they are not suited to it. Dier is. Alderweireld will go straight in as a first choice pairing with Vertonghen. While not undroppable new signing Kevin Wimmer & Fede Fazio are also in the que. Walker also now has Trippier as company for the RB role. Giving a young talented CD ( who can play a bit ) an opportunity to gain experience in a sweeper/ DM role. Injury aside this was the stepping stones of a certain Ledley King.
I also wouldnt expect Lamela to be in the starting 11. He returned late from international duty. While i’m sure he is fit. I doubt having not had a full preseason that he would go straight into the starting 11. Especially considering the now indispensable Kane has also missed some preseason. But he may come on at some point.
I think the starting line-up vs Madrid tomorrow may give you an idea.
Hugo Lloris may well be fully recovered for the starting line-up at the weekend. Jan & Toby will likely be CD as you mentioned. Rose should be nailed on for LB. Tripper or Walker. Depends on how they trained. It could be Walker to start. Unless Trippier completely blitzed him in training this preseason.
But starting 2 new defenders for debuts at Old Trafford probably wouldn’t be the best of ideas.
As mentioned Eric Dier will occupy the DM role. His partner Bentaleb. Whether Dembele or Eriksen play as a 2 CM role or be a #10. I don’t know. I expect both to start. Eriksen from a wider position and Dembele as a 2nd CM with Bentaleb & Dier. Both with all the freedom of the world because of Dier. But one would always have to be on watch if the other drives on an attack.
Chadli will play as part of a front three with the previously mentioned Harry Kane.
My Prediction
GK – Lloris
RB – Trippier CD – Alderweireld, Vertonghen. LB – Rose.
DM – Dier.
CM – Bentaleb, Eriksen(10).
RF – Chadli. ST – Kane LF. Dembele.