JOSE MOURINHO has been reluctant to make many changes to his starting XI so far as Tottenham boss.
But given the close proximity of the clash with Norwich at Carrow Road to the Boxing Day battle with Brighton, as well as the suspensions picked up by midfielders Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko – the 56-year-old will surely have to roll the dice.
How Spurs could line up against Norwich
Club-record signing Tanguy Ndombele sat out of the 2-1 win over Brighton after telling Mourinho that he didn’t feel ready to play after a string of fitness issues this season.
The Portuguese didn’t seem impressed by the Frenchman’s decision, but with Winks and Sissoko missing out, he may have to turn to the talented 22-year-old to partner early Mourinho stalwart Eric Dier.
Alternatively, the former Chelsea boss could hand a Premier League start to Giovani Lo Celso for the first time in his tenure.
The Real Betis loanee looked bright when he came on against Brighton – adding zip and inventiveness to a Spurs midfield that at times can look all over the place.
Paulo Gazzaniga will continue to deputise for the injured Hugo Lloris between the sticks.
Mourinho has so far favoured a back four of Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen.
But with games coming thick and fast, he could hand rare opportunities to youngsters Kyle Walker-Peters and Juan Foyth – with the latter having impressed him against Bayern Munich.
Ryan Sessegnon is likely to continue in place of Son Heung-min, who will serve the second of his three match ban.
Dele Alli netted the winner against Brighton, his fifth goal under Mourinho, but appeared to pull up injured at the end of the Boxing Day clash.
How Spurs could line up if Mourinho shakes things up
If the problem is serious, Christian Eriksen could replace him for potentially his final start in Tottenham colours – with the January transfer window looming.
Erik Lamela is fit again following a hamstring injury, but is likely to be restricted to the bench as he steps up his recovery.
So Lucas Moura will likely continue on the right-hand side – with Harry Kane upfront.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
