Tottenham Hotspur still have some work to do to move into the Champions League knockout stages. A win would ensure that they progress, as they currently sit top of the group with seven points. Read on to find out who Last Word on Football predicts will don the Lilywhite strip to keep Spurs’ European silverware hopes alive.
Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Prediction vs Sporting Lisbon
How Spurs Have Lined up Recently
Recently Antonio Conte has deployed his Tottenham Hotspur lineup in a 3-5-2 formation with an emphasis on getting wingbacks high up the pitch. At the same time, these wingbacks can drop off when defending to bolster the back-line. After some disappointing defeats in the league against Newcastle United and Manchester United, Spurs will be wanting to put these results behind them.
Injury News
Cristian Romero could make a return from a calf injury. Meanwhile, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could also be available for selection as he recovers from a thigh injury. Spurs will miss the firepower of both Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison who are still sidelined.
Antonio Conte is very keen to get Romero and Hojbjerg into the team, saying this in his pre-match press conference: “Romero and Hojbjerg, tomorrow morning we will see (if they can play). If there is a possibility for them to recover we will try everything because it’s an important game for us.”
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form and Tactics
Despite having their best-ever start to a Premier League season and sitting top of their Champions League group, Spurs have struggled recently. It has not been through want of trying, though. At Old Trafford Spurs were simply outgunned, knocked back by waves of United attacks. Spurs have set up in this match to counter and there were some chances earlier on that went begging. But a similar performance was repeated against Newcastle, but little could explain Hugo Lloris’ mistakes, nor his defence that allowed the likes of Miguel Almiron to make a run and score at such a tight angle.
While Tottenham are having a brief dip in form, they are still having a fantastic season and will no doubt want to refocus ahead of this clash against Sporting.
Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Prediction
Fraser Forster may well get a run in goal with Lloris’ recent mistakes. At wingback is likely to be a combination of Ivan Perisic and Matt Doherty. Centre halves will include Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies. Hojbjerg may get a nudge in the midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentacur and Oliver Skipp. Who else to lead the line except Harry Kane and Son Heung-min? They’re unplayable.
🚨 Cristian Romero misses Tottenham Hotspur’s game vs. Newcastle United. pic.twitter.com/4rT0CaYGuM
— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 23, 2022
Cristian Romero missed Tottenham’s match versus Newcastle United but could be back in contention for tonight’s match.
