Crystal Palace are the first visitors of the season at White Hart Lane, and Tottenham have made two changes for their clash with the Eagles: one forced, one tactical.
Hugo Lloris, who will miss the next four weeks with a hamstring injury, is replaced by Michel Vorm in goal. The other change sees Vincent Janssen make his first start for the club.
Dele Alli drops to the bench in order to accommodate Janssen, suggesting Spurs will employ something resembling a 4-4-2 formation. Janssen parters Harry Kane up front; the latter will captain the side in Lloris’ absence.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to all the team news.
#THFC team: Vorm, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Dier, Wanyama, Lamela, Eriksen; Janssen, Kane (c) #COYS pic.twitter.com/nUX64uL6UJ
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 20, 2016
At last we can mix things up. These are the sort of games you need 2 proper strikers on the pitch that can interchange. Love it
— Paul O Keefe (@pokeefe1) August 20, 2016
#thfc No Son or Chadli on the bench. Son was being assessed yesterday after the Olympics. Onomah gets the nod over Chadli again.
— Ben Pearce (@BenPearceSpurs) August 20, 2016
Not surprised it's Alli that makes way. Looked like he was still prancing around Ibiza with Wayne Lineker last week
— Matt Swan (@Matt_swan40) August 20, 2016
That's a big old gap between the midfield and front line imo. Also do we need 3 CMs on bench over Son & Chadli! Hmmmmm
— WHLParkLane (@Craig_Spur) August 20, 2016
Having a big fat lad up front >>>> Tiki Taka
— Billie (@Billie_T) August 20, 2016
Thought Vincent would be in for wanyama. Is this a wake-up call to Dele?
— Scott Byrd (@DSMSpurs) August 20, 2016
2 strikers!! #COYS pic.twitter.com/1ASBe8U0s4
— Jon. (@jonhotspur88) August 20, 2016
Feel for Dele, but fantastic to see #THFC going with 2 strikers @ WHL, Kane & Janssen 52 goals combined last season, expecting goals! #COYS
— Ricky Sacks (@RickSpur) August 20, 2016
Dele on the bench and 2 defensive midfielders starting at home is not good.
Watch us create nothing!! #THFC #COYS— PitbullTHFC (@pitbullthfc) August 20, 2016
Alli was poor last week, Poch wants to start Janssen & Kane, it's a no brainer. Nobody should think they're guaranteed to start. #COYS
— Jon. (@jonhotspur88) August 20, 2016
Where is Chadli nowadays ?
Bar his goal Wanyama (especially last 30 mins) was well off the pace and offered little than the occasional back/sideways pass. Dembele alternative he is not. Think we need more guile in that midfield.
Janssen on other hand was superb. Bit more luck / invention around him and he’ll be banging them in!
Good move playing both strikers
Ali and Erikson will have to compete for a starting place