Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man City - Premier League
By Tom Gott
Life is a little chaotic for Tottenham these days, and they can't catch a break as they will open their Premier League season against defending champions Manchester City.
City are tough enough under normal circumstances, but their well-publicised pursuit of Harry Kane has only amped up the tension surrounding this fixture. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will have his work cut out for him to help the squad keep its composure.
Here's how he could set up.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man City - Premier League
1. Goalkeeper & defenders
Hugo Lloris (GK) - Despite the acquisition of Pierluigi Gollini, Lloris is still Spurs' number one. Given the importance of this fixture, he should start here.
Japhet Tanganga (RB) - With Serge Aurier out of favour and Nuno's relationship with Matt Doherty a little rocky (to say the least), the right-back spot could be handed to Tanganga.
Davinson Sanchez (CB) - He might be up for sale, but Sanchez is still Tottenham's best available defender.
Eric Dier (CB) - Cristian Romero isn't ready just yet, so there could be one final hurrah for Dier at centre-back.
Sergio Reguilon (LB) - Reguilon will hope to make a real impact on the counter against City's high line, but he'll have to stay switched on defensively or he could be torn apart.
2. Midfielders
Pierre Emile Hojbjerg (DM) - A crucial cog in the Spurs machine last season, Hojbjerg was a firm favourite under Jose Mourinho and will likely keep that role under Nuno.
Oliver Skipp (DM) - It's finally time for Skipp to shine. An impressive loan with Norwich last season has seen the 20-year-old catch the eye of Spurs officials, who have high hopes for Skipp.
Lucas Moura (RM) - New signing Bryan Gil is likely to start from the bench in this one, leaving Lucas to start.
Dele Alli (AM) - With Mourinho now gone, Dele can focus on getting his career back on track.
Steven Bergwijn (LM) - Bergwijn might not be the preferred choice on the left wing, but circumstances dictate that he starts. Spurs aren't blessed with a lot of options in attack, and the preferred candidate for this role may just be needed elsewhere...
3. Forward
Son Heung-min (ST) - How do you play Harry Kane in this of all games? There's no way of guaranteeing his head will be screwed on tight enough, so Son needs to leave his post on the left wing and lead the line.