Tottenham return to the Premier League on Thursday night when Ange Postecoglou’s side host Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
Spurs will be looking to make it four wins in a row after beating Everton on Saturday afternoon and sweeping Newcastle in their previous game. Cristian Romero will be out for the next four to five weeks after leaving the field at half-time at the weekend with a pulled thigh muscle, which scans showed was strained.
Emerson Royal defended well at left-back against Everton, but with Destiny Udogie back from suspension, the Italian could lose his place in that position. However, the Brazilian could be in contention to replace Romero in the centre of defence and Postecoglou would have to decide between him, Eric Dier and teenager Ashley Phillips.
In the middle of the park, Oliver Skipp was understandably rusty in his first Premier League appearance since the opening game of the season against Everton, but came back into his own in the second half with some important defensive contributions. Postecoglou will have to decide whether to stick with the young centre-midfielder or bring in the more experienced Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Giovani Lo Celso also came off the bench and performed positively against the Toffees.
Here is the Tottenham team we think Postecoglou will select to face Roberto De Zerbi’s charges.
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario
The Italian was in great form again against Everton.
Right-back – Pedro Porro
Spurs need his creativity on the right flank, plus he will have to defend well in an improvised back line.
Centre-back – Emerson Royal
The Brazilian, who impressed in defence against Everton, could regain his place in the centre of the back line.
Centre-back – Ben Davies
He is in good form in his new position and Postecoglou will need his experience at the Amex Stadium.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie
He’s back from suspension and Spurs will need him to bring balance to their attacks down the left.
Central midfield – Pape Matar Sarr
The young Senegal international is leaving for the African Cup of Nations soon and will want to give his all for the club before he goes.
Central midfield – Oliver Skipp
Postecoglou has to decide between Skipp, who excelled against Everton, and the more experienced Hojbjerg, whose future is the subject of much speculation.
Central midfield – Dejan Kulusevski
The Swede will need to be at his creative best to help Tottenham knock out Brighton.
Right wing – Brennan Johnson
The Welshman will provide plenty of pace with Porro and Sarr on the right side of the pitch.
Centre-forward – Richarlison
The Brazilian has scored four goals in his last three games and Postecoglou will be keen to see more of that.
Left wing – Son Heung-min
The Spurs captain will soon be off to the Asian Cup, so he will want to say goodbye in style.