Predicted Tottenham XI as Lloris out and Mason risks angering one star

Cristian Stellini sacked as Spurs’ acting head coach with Ryan Mason taking over

It was less than two years ago, but the last Tottenham team-sheet Ryan Mason handed in had Dele Alli, Gareth Bale and Toby Alderweireld on it. It seems like a lifetime ago. Certainly, it was three managers’ worth of chopping and changing.

But what is left to pick from the wreckage of the 6-1 defeat against Newcastle to restore some pride at what could otherwise become a poisonous White Hart Lane against Manchester United?

The truth is the 31-year-old has depressingly few options. 

Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster

Hugo Lloris may have to sit out this one. The thigh muscle that saw him sit out the first half is still troubling him and Mason will not want to risk robbing him of what could be his Tottenham swansong.

“For the game on Thursday we are still unsure,” Mason admitted. “Obviously Hugo had a muscle problem so we are still seeing how that is settling down. Time will tell on that one.”

Don’t miss…
Tottenham ‘have to pay more’ than for Udogie to appoint Arne Slot[LATEST]

Defence: Romero, Dier, Lenglet

Spurs unravelled when Cristian Stellini went with popular demand and tried to ditch the three-man defence favoured by Antonio Conte and Mason is not about to fall into the same trap.

“It’s hard to change a great deal, but I would hope and expect towards the end of the season that everyone, not only inside but outside, will see my stamp and our stamp on the group,”

Part of the problem is that he has a number of players injured who can play in a standard full-back position – although the continued rehabilitation of two players on the left should rescue Ivan Persisic from his ineffectual defensive duties.

“We’re going to review Ben Davies and Clement Lenglet today, we have training in the afternoon,” Mason said. “We’re going to have to see them today.

“Clem came off in a game recently and Ben’s been out for a period of time, so I think we will have a better idea on that one after training today.

Don’t miss…
Erik ten Hag confirms Kane ‘plan’ and provides Fernandes update[QUOTES]
Bale responds to Reynolds and McElhenney after Wrexham transfer plea[TRANSFERS]
Transfer news LIVE – Man Utd’s new Mata and Pochettino request[UPDATES]

Midfield: Porro, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Davies

Ultimately, Mason will be tempted to press both of those left-sided players back into action, with the rest of midfield effectively picking itself with little in the way of fit alternatives.

Attack: Kulusevski, Kane, Son

Richarlison could replace Dejan Kulusevski in a show of shaking things up but Mason seems determined that the mindset changes rather than the personnel.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane both scored goals under him last time and it would be a dramatic move indeed if the man who is still the Premier League’s youngest-ever manager were to drop either.

Source: Read Full Article