With Igor Tudor still searching for a winning formula and results still faltering, we have now attempted to put together our ideal Tottenham starting XI for the clash against Crystal Palace.
New Tottenham Hotspur head coach Igor Tudor has shown a willingness to adapt and try new things in the few weeks he has been at the club.
In his first game against Arsenal, Tudor lined up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, but that proved far from effective, with the Gunners finding it easy to play against Spurs and beating them 4-1 when the two sides met.
Last weekend, Tudor did not hesitate to ditch the three-at-the-back setup and instead lined up in a 4-1-3-2 system, but still no win was secured, with Spurs this time losing 2-1 to Fulham.
It is obvious the new Spurs boss is still getting familiar with this Tottenham side, and in the coming weeks, we could well expect a few more changes.
We have now highlighted the starting XI we want to see when Spurs take to the field against Crystal Palace.
Tottenham XI vs Crystal Palace: Igor Tudor selection and tactical tweaks
Of course, with injuries, it will be difficult for Tudor to make several personnel changes, but it is not impossible.
There are a few fringe players and some tactical tweaks the Croatian can make that could somewhat improve the performances we have witnessed of late.
Against Palace, we would love to see Tudor place more emphasis on using players in their ideal positions instead of forcing them into areas where they are not comfortable.
Last time out, we saw Archie Gray deployed at left-back in the absence of Djed Spence, Yves Bissouma in the number eight role and Xavi Simons operating mainly from the left side.
That setup was far from effective, with Tottenham struggling to gain a foothold in the game during the first half.
In the second half, though, when changes were made, and players were used in their more natural positions, there was an improvement in Spurs’ play, and that is something Tudor cannot ignore ahead of this midweek’s clash against Crystal Palace.
Spurs must trust natural roles and youth against Palace
Against Palace on Thursday, we would prefer to see players in their natural positions, and we would love to see Tudor place more trust in youth.
As a result, the likes of Souza and Archie Gray should be selected, with Souza coming in at left-back after his bright cameo against Fulham, while Gray moves into midfield.
We also want to see the use of a wide forward instead of the narrow setup we have seen in recent weeks, with Mathys Tel returning to the starting XI after proving to be a bright spark off the bench against Fulham.
Up top, a decision has to be made between Richarlison and Muani, and based on underlying numbers and overall performance this season, Richarlison is the better fit for the number nine role.
In all, that should see a line-up like this:
Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Souza; Gallagher, Gray, Sarr; Tel, Solanke, Richarlison