The starting XI Spurs fans would be excited to see under Conte against Mura

Tottenham Hotspur may have defeated Leeds 2-1 at the weekend, but they will face a very different task against Mura in the Europa Conference League on Thursday. 

The starting XI Spurs fans would be excited to see under Conte against Mura
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 20: Ryan Sessegnon of Tottenham Hotspur and Antonio Conte the manager / head coach of Tottenham Hotspur at full time of the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 20, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
sebjenkins
By Seb Jenkins

Tottenham Hotspur remain unbeaten under the stewardship of Antonio Conte with two wins and a draw, with their latest three points coming against Leeds United in the Premier League.

However, the Italian faces arguably his most interesting task yet against Mura on Thursday in the Europa Conference League, as it will be the first chance to see squad rotation under the new boss.

Tottenham have played a Conference League match under Conte already, beating Vitesse Arnhem 3-2 in an exciting affair, but the head coach elected to name a strong line-up. 

It was his first match in charge of the club and Conte likely wanted to get a sense of what his strongest starting XI could be. But that will not be the case this time around.

So, let's take a look at who VAVEL think he will play and why it should be exciting for Spurs fans.

Pierluigi Gollini

The second-choice goalkeeper, Pierluigi Gollini, should get a run-out against Mura on Thursday as he looks to make a case for a permanent Tottenham transfer. 

It will be interesting to see whether the Atalanta man is better with his feet than fellow shot-stopper, Hugo Lloris, as that tends to be something Conte likes in a keeper.

Matt Doherty

The Ireland right-wing-back has the most experience in this back three formation than anyone in the Tottenham squad, having played it rather successfully at Wolves.

Off the back of a couple of fine performances for his national side during the break, Matt Doherty could be a very realistic contender for the starting spot in the future.

Davinson Sanchez -

He came on in the second half against Leeds and looked very impressive, particularly in the air and defending on the break.

We have seen time and time again that certain centre-backs struggle in a back two but thrive in a back three, look at Antonio Rudiger at Chelsea. Could Davinson Sanchez be the same?

Joe Rodon - 

Joe Rodon has been rather harshly starved of football so far this season, despite still being a regular for Wales. He is another one who could really suit a back three and we are excited to see him get a run-out against Mura. 

Japhet Tanganga

It has long since been argued whether Japhet Tanganga is a full-back or centre-back. Fortunately, a back three provides a hybrid position that could just be perfect for him. It will be interesting to see him get a run of games on the right or left side. 

Ryan Sessegnon

It was so good to see Ryan Sessegnon back in action again at the weekend and it's fair to say he looked bright. The left-wing-back even scored a goal, albeit offside in the build-up.

Much like Tanganga, Sessegnon is another who was stuck between positions, left-back and left-wing, but could profit from the emergence of a left-wing-back role.

Oliver Skipp

I feel it could be a straight fight between Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for the defensive/holding midfield slot in the long term, once Conte settles on his more creative alternative. 

With Hojbjerg stepping up with goals as well as midfield muscle, could we see the academy graduate rise to the occasion? 

Tanguy Ndombele

Conte has already made it clear, Tanguy Ndombele will have to work hard and get his fitness up if he is to play a regular part this season.

It will be interesting to see what kind of performance he gives after being unused against Leeds United. Will he sink or look to prove a point? 

Dele Alli

Another one on his final life in North London, Dele Alli will be looking to follow up on his Leeds cameo with a start against Mura.

Conte often makes the most of one or two number ten slots, so Dele has an opportunity, on paper at least, to earn a place under the new boss.

I have a feeling he may really rise to the occasion after a few years away from his best.

Steven Bergwijn

Steven Bergwijn was not called up for his country during the international break, before eventually being drafted in as a late injury replacement.

The Spurs man then proved to be the hero by scoring and assisting in a 2-0 win to send the Netherlands to the World Cup. If that isn't the perfect springboard to take into club football, I don't know what is.

Dane Scarlett

 We are all dying for this boy to get opportunities in front of goal. Dane Scarlett has been handed minutes so far this season, but has often cut an isolated or frustrated figure up top. 

With a more attacking wing-back formation under Conte, it will be interesting to see whether the youngster can shine.