Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Premier League
"To 3-5-2, or not 3-5-2," Antonio Conte - probably.
While the cries of fans for the Italian to revert to this system permanently given the success it has facilitated have been heard, Conte appears wedded to the 3-4-3 despite the likely absences of both Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski for the trip to Old Trafford.
In the build-up to Wednesday's bout, the Tottenham boss hinted that Ivan Perisic, Lucas Moura or Bryan Gil could be used in the front line in a bid to retain his favoured configuration.
Unfortunately, Antonio, your bluff has been called, mio amico. Here's how he could set up on Wednesday night.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man Utd (3-5-2)
GK: Hugo Lloris - Old Trafford hasn't been a happy hunting ground for the Tottenham captain. Lloris has registered just one clean sheet at the Theatre of Dreams during his 11-year spell between the Lilywhite sticks.
CB: Cristian Romero - Wednesday is poised to be a battle between two Argentine defenders as Lisandro Martinez pits his short-man syndrome against Romero's insidious aggression.
CB: Eric Dier - Dier is the latest defender to enjoy success in the middle of a back three under Conte's tutelage. The Englishman is enjoying a career rejuvenation similar to Stefan de Vrij, whom Conte converted into one of Serie A's best during his time at Inter Milan.
CB: Clement Lenglet - Barcelona fans may have laughed in the faces (well, on Twitter) of Spurs supporters for taking Lenglet off their hands (albeit temporarily), but the French defender has emanated serenity on his few starts thus far. Conte appears to utilise Lenglet in the 'big' games.
RWB: Matt Doherty - The Irish Cafu is back, folks! Doherty produced his best performance since he picked up a long-term injury at Villa Park in April on Saturday. "Now finally you are the player I know!" Conte told the Irishman as he was substituted in the Everton triumph.
CM: Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg - Why the Dane polarises opinion to the extent that he does within the Spurs fanbase is hard to fathom. Hojbjerg's brilliant start to 2022/23 continued at the weekend as he netted his side's second to secure all three points against the Toffees.
CM: Yves Bissouma - The summer arrival is the key facilitator of this system switch. Bissouma had frustrated supporters with his safe pass selection and lack of minutes during his first two months in north London, but he announced himself at his new club with an excellent display off the bench on Saturday. “His impact was really really positive," said Conte post-match.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur - The silky Uruguayan has established a stellar partnership with Hojbjerg in Spurs' midfield, but the switch to a 3-5-2 should further unlock the former Juventus man.
LWB: Ryan Sessegnon - Ivan Perisic completed 90 minutes at the weekend and we've seen Conte rotate his left wing-back plenty at the start of the season. Sessegnon was named Man of the Match in the victory over Brighton ten days ago, and he should come back into the team on Wednesday.
ST: Harry Kane - Kane's record against United isn't great (five goals in 17 games), but he's heading into this contest in tip-top form. The England skipper looks as explosive as ever, and an intriguing duel against Lisandro Martinez/Raphael Varane awaits.
ST: Son Heung-min - The South Korean's quick-fire hat-trick against Leicester came when deployed in a front two, and this system should maximise the telepathy between the Premier League's most potent partnership.