Redemption day?

Spurs host AC Milan at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tomorrow in the Champions League for the Round of 16 second-leg clash. On their visit to the San Siro in the first leg, which was held on the 14th of February, Conte’s team walked away 1-0 down. Therefore, a strong display is needed for the North London club to progress into the quarter-finals of their Champions League campaign.

Antonio Conte is back in action in England after he flew back from Italy following the recovery of his surgery on his gallbladder. Conte in his press conference described the clash against AC Milan as “a vital game” for Tottenham to progress in this competition. He also encourages the fans to create an “amazing atmosphere” to back the players in the fight against the 2021/22 Serie A champions.

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In Tottenham’s last 10 games in all competitions, they have conceded 11 goals. In that same time period, the lily-whites have scored only 12 goals. These games include the 4-2 loss against Manchester City and the pitiful 4-1 defeat at the King Power Stadium against Leicester City who currently sit 15th in the Premier League table. Richarlison, Son, Kane and Kulusevski are all available options for tomorrow’s game, however, with Son being out of form this season, and Richarlison yet to score a domestic goal at Spurs, the question is: who is going to support Harry Kane in the attack against AC Milan?

Tottenham have improved their squad depth with the signing of Pedro Porro at right wing-back in January, however, he has not yet proven himself as a first-team option for Conte with the surprise spike of form from Emerson Royal. The Brazilian has provided some excellent performances for the club in recent games, particularly against West Ham where he claimed his second goal of the Premier League season. Porro was in the starting eleven against Sheffield United with Tottenham being eliminated from the FA cup due to a late winner from Ndiaye in the 79th minute. Alongside the Spaniard at centre-back, were Dier, Sanchez and Davies who were also part of Tottenham’s third-round EFL cup defeat to Colchester in 2019, showing an unchanged back-line for over three years. It would seem Tottenham are in desperate need of improved squad depth in the centre-back position.

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With the loss of Rodrigo Bentancur, Tottenham’s academy product, Oliver Skipp, has proved himself extremely useful in Antonio Conte’s side with his spectacular goal against Chelsea in their 2-0 win at home in late February. Bentancur has been confirmed to be out for the rest of the season, as well as summer signing Yves Bissouma which is a massive blow to Spurs for the remainder of their Champions League and Premier League campaigns. Bentancur has scored 6 goals, contributed 2 assists for Tottenham in all competitions this season, and proved to be a vital creator in the midfield. Papa Mata Sarr is another potential option alongside Pierre Emile Hojbjerg in midfield, however, Skipp has contributed more minutes to the side than the Senegal international as Skipp and Hojbjerg seem to be the preferred duo in recent matches.

Tottenham are aiming for top four this season as they currently sit in 4th place, with both Liverpool and Newcastle close behind with games in hand. The Champions League is the only Trophy Spurs are in contention for this season, therefore, Conte and his men will have their eyes fixed on the game tomorrow evening.

My Predicted Line-up:

Forster, Davies, Leglet, Romero, Perisic, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Emerson, Richarlison, Kane, Kulusevski.