Antonio Conte could be tempted to ring the changes following Tottenham’s Champions League disappointment this week.
Spurs fell to a 2-0 defeat against Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night, a result that could be a big blow in their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.
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Tottenham looked bereft of confidence and energy in the Portuguese capital, with fan Paul Hawksbee critical of Conte’s decision not to use the full extent of his new-look squad.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Hawksbee said: “They didn’t really create enough and Sonny was just an empty shirt, I’m not quite sure what’s going on there.
“It does seem very odd that you build a much deeper squad and towards the end of the game a few of them did look quite tired, and you don’t use it.
“It’s probably no coincidence that the two Sporting goals came from substitutes, fresh legs and fresh minds.
“Even with a break at the weekend, the fact that some of the players looked a bit leggy was a bit of a shock.
“I look at [Yves] Bissouma coming in. He looked like such a good player and I thought he’d get game time, but he’s not had a chance to get any rhythm.
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“He obviously doesn’t fancy Djed Spence or even [Matt] Doherty who he trusted before the injuries. He’s absolutely fit and it’s very odd that he’s not using the bench a little bit more.”
Conte, though, has made some big admission about the form and fitness of his fringe stars.
The Italian explained Bissouma is struggling ‘tactically’, despite being pleased with the signing, while Doherty and Oliver Skipp are continuing their comeback from long-term injuries.
With a clash against Leicester City coming up this weekend, Spurs have a real chance to freshen things up as they look to get back to winning ways.
Hugo Lloris is certain to keep his spot for the clash with the Foxes as the captain looks to lead his team out of the trenches.
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In defence, Cristian Romero and Eric Dier look likely to keep their places, along with Ivan Perisic who has showed his experience at left wing-back but Clement Lenglet should replace Ben Davies having already shown his ball-playing ability.
At right wing-back, we could see a change with Emerson Royal coming in for criticism for his display against Sporting, where he spurned three golden chances.
While Djed Spence will be hoping to be involved, Conte’s comments have suggested that Doherty could be the next in line for an opportunity that could arise this weekend.
As alluded to by Hawksbee, Bissouma hasn’t featured regularly this term and might not get a chance to start just yet.
Instead, Skipp may get the nod ahead of an out-of-sorts Rodrigo Bentancur as he continues his injury return, meaning that he could line up alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
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The biggest call could come in the attacking third with Son struggling for form in the early stages of the season.
While it’s only a matter of time before the South Korean finds his feet again, Conte could look to remove him from the firing line and replace him with Dejan Kulusevski, who showed last term exactly what he’s capable of as a creative force.
With Richarlison and Harry Kane also in the attacking third, it could be the combination that is needed to get Spurs firing once again.
Tottenham team to face Leicester
