Tottenham’s Thursday entertainment comes in the form of an early evening kick-off against Rennes in the Europa Conference League.
Nuno Espirito Santo needs a response from his side after their opening trio of Premier League wins were cast to one side by a dismal 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. The nature of the performance is what was most concerning for Spurs, with Harry Kane not even registering a touch in the opposition penalty area let alone a shot.
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Team news wise, Son Heung-min and Eric Dier are unavailable for Spurs because of injury while there should be other players rotated with Sunday’s mouthwatering clash with Chelsea in mind.
Kane may need to start the game, hoping he can earn himself an early substitution by bagging a couple of early goals. Here’s how Spurs could line up.
Pierluigi Gollini (GK) – Unable to displace Hugo Lloris in goal, European competition is Gollini’s bread and butter for 2021/22.
Matt Doherty (RB) – Likewise for Doherty, the Irishman isn’t getting a look at Premier League football right now. Needs the match practice.
Japhet Tanganga (CB) – A silly red card against Crystal Palace in the Premier League means Nuno can turn to Tanganga for 90 minutes of Conference League action.
Joe Rodon (CB) – Tottenham fans have high hopes for the Welshman, and a big performance here would go a long way to proving his credentials.
Ben Davies (LB) – Allowed Odsonne Edouard to drift off him at the weekend, which directly led to Palace’s second goal. Must be more switched on against a Rennes side who do pose a threat.
Harry Winks (CM) – Spurs’ alleged £40m valuation of Winks is baffling when you consider how irregularly he starts. This game is one for him, however.
Tanguy Ndombele (CM) – A polarising figure, Ndombele has all the talent in the world – it’s more a question of how much he wants it to show it.
Dele Alli (CM) – Rejuvenated under Nuno Espirito Santo, playing 90 minutes in all four of Spurs’ Premier League games to date. Needed here because of his quality.
Bryan Gil (RW) – The memes of Spurs’ new Spaniard may already be flying round on social media but a performance of substance is also needed.
Harry Kane (ST) – You’d argue Kane doesn’t need to start this game but then you remember the club don’t believe in senior back-up options. Still, might need the shot practice given he didn’t even get in Palace’s box on Saturday.
Lucas Moura (LW) – Can play in a number of positions and should be able to alternate flanks with Gil.
