The Tottenham lineup that should start against Dinamo Zagreb

Tottenham lost to Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday
Tottenham lost to Arsenal 2-1 on Sunday / Dan Mullan/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Tottenham will look to secure their place in the quarter finals of the Europa League when they take on Dinamo Zagreb in the second leg of the last 16 tie on Thursday.

After a run of five straight wins in all competitions, Jose Mourinho's side reverted back to type in extremely disappointing fashion during the north London derby defeat to Arsenal, sitting deep and rarely troubling the Gunners' defence during the 2-1 loss.

The job against Dinamo is half done thanks to a 2-0 win last week, when Harry Kane scored twice, though if anyone can throw away a lead to a side whose manager recently resigned after being given a fiver-year prison sentence for fraud, it's Tottenham.

Here's the XI they should pick to finish the job.

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Alexandre Lacazette, Davinson Sanchez
Sanchez gave away a penalty for a foul on Lacazette / Julian Finney/Getty Images

Hugo Lloris (GK) - It wouldn't make much sense to bring Joe Hart in for this fixture. Unless he gets injured, Lloris ought to start every game until the end of the season.

Serge Aurier (RB) -
The fact that fans were crying out for Aurier in the north London derby is quite indicative of Matt Doherty's performances since his summer transfer. Aurier been solid since returning from injury and may come in for the Irishman.

Eric Dier (CB) - Has had some time out of the spotlight in recent weeks, only playing in two Europa League games since the 2-1 defeat to West Ham in mid February. Played in the first leg and was booked.

Davinson Sanchez (CB) -
Gave away the penalty on Sunday, having otherwise enjoyed a decent outing. Has been booked in his last last two games.

Ben Davies (LB) - Sergio Reguilon will likely be rested having buzzed up and down the Emirates turf on Sunday, so Wales international Davies will be rotated in.

2. Midfielders

dele alli
Dele came on as a substitute against Arsenal / Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images

Moussa Sissoko (CM) - Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg picked up a Xabi Alonso-esque booking to rule him out of this return leg, so Sissoko should come in. The Frenchman replaced Gareth Bale on Sunday but could not influence proceedings at all.

Harry Winks (CM) - Winks played no part on Sunday and is firmly behind Hojbjerg and Tanguy Ndombele in the central midfield pecking order. However, with rotation necessary due to the season's packed schedule, the England international will get a run out here.

Dele Alli (AM) - The 24-year-old was reintroduced to the Tottenham squad in February but is still searching for some rhythm in his play. Lucas Moura will likely drop out of the starting XI, so Dele will get another chance to strut his stuff here.

3. Forwards

Erik Lamela (RW) - Erik Lamela performed just like only Erik Lamela can in the north London derby, scoring an outrageous rabona before being sent off - all as a substitute. Given he's suspended for Sunday's trip to Aston Villa, he should start.

Harry Kane (ST) - Mourinho confirmed in his press conference that Kane will start on Thursday. Poor Carlos Vinicius. His side are two goals up but his manager still feels the need to play the overworked England captain.

Steven Bergwijn (LW) - Bergwijn has been the main casualty from Spurs' poor run back in late January. He looked desperate to score in the 4-0 victory over Wolfsberger but it just hasn't come off for the Dutchman recently. Son Heung-min is out injured, so Bergwijn should get another chance on Thursday.