Tottenham will be looking to get their season back on track when they face Steve Bruce’s Hull on Sunday afternoon. Spurs players will be out to prove a point after they fell to a disappointing 2-1 defeat at home to Stoke. Michael Dawson could face his old club, but friendships will not be remembered during the clash as all know that this is a crucial game. Here is the Tottenham team news and predicted line-up.
Team News:
After being given a red card in our loss to Stoke a couple of weeks ago, Kyle Naughton is once again out along with Andros Townsend. Kyle Walker could make his return from injury after eight months out against Partizan on Thursday, but it is believed that he will not feature against Hull. Mauricio Pochettino has also said that several players are doubts through injury.
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris:
There are only do many shots that you can save before conceding a couple. That has been the case for Hugo in recent weeks, and you have to feel a bit sorry for him, as he is such a good keeper, but he doesn’t have the defensive strength in front of him unfortunately.
Defence: Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen, Younes Kaboul, Danny Rose:
I am going to have to go with the usual back line apart from Eric Dier at right-back due to the absence of Kyle Naughton. This is not his natural position and I expect that he will not be played here after the clash with Hull. Kyle Walker is set to make his return against Partizan on Thursday and this could spell the eventual end of our right-back woes. It remains to be seen if Dier will be played in the centre once Walker returns from injury.
Midfield (Holding): Benjamin Stambouli, Ryan Mason:
I have said it before, and I will say it once again. Ryan Mason has been superb since his introduction to regular first-team football. However, Etienne Capoue has not been performing quite as well as the young Englishman has. Therefore, I feel Pochettino needs to, and will try a different combination in the holding midfield spots. Mousa Dembele is another potential candidate, bit his performance against Stoke wasn’t good enough.
Midfield (Attacking): Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli:
At the moment, Nacer Chadli looks like the only player, along with Harry Kane, who can score a goal for Tottenham, so he must start this weekend. Mauricio Pochettino proved most wrong last team selection in dropping Erik Lamela twice in a row. I think he will be given another chance against Hull in place of Andros Townsend, who dropped out of the England squad with an injury.
Striker: Harry Kane:
With the other attacking options by far off their best, Harry Kane seems like the best option for the lone striker. I expect Roberto Soldado to be saved for the Europa League and the fans would surely go mad if Emmanuel Adebayor starts up top by himself.
