Spurs: Conte must play Spence vs Frankfurt

Tottenham Hotspur might be seeking to get again to successful methods once they make the journey to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt within the Champions League this night.

Antonio Conte and his aspect suffered a gut-wrenching defeat by the hands of arch-rivals Arsenal on Saturday because the Gunners, who lead the Premier League standings, appeared a world aside from Spurs within the north London derby, notably within the second half.

Their distress was compounded when Emerson Royal was despatched off for a silly problem on Gabriel Martinelli and while there was no intentional malice, any studs-up deal with goes to go away the referee with no alternative however to dish out a purple card.

“Royal is only a full legal responsibility,” ex-midfielder Jamie O’Hara informed talkSPORT. “Each single week we play him, he makes errors.”

Who ought to begin at RWB vs Frankfurt tonight?

In fact, that three-game suspension will solely rely in home competitions, which means the Brazil worldwide is out there for tonight’s conflict however it might be simply as ludicrous for Conte to belief him going ahead.

The Italian head coach was requested about the precise wing-back scenario throughout his pre-game press convention and poured a heap of doubt on Matt Doherty’s potential involvement and had a alternative of phrases about Djed Spence, who must be beginning right here tonight (as relayed by the Metro).

“I attempt to do the most effective for the crew. In the event that they belief me, then they belief me, however the decisions are mine. If I didn’t determine to select one participant it’s perhaps as a result of he’s not prepared,” he mentioned of the £20m summer time signing, earlier than including: “We’re speaking a few younger participant with prospect, however I repeat I attempt to choose the most effective crew.”

After which on the skilled Irishman, he mentioned: “Additionally Doherty final season performed each recreation. Now I’m not seeing him in the precise strategy to begin the sport. I’m not silly, I don’t wish to lose. I attempt to put the most effective crew, to select the most effective crew.”

Let’s not write off Spence as not being prepared, although. It could possibly be smart for the 53-year-old to do a U-turn on the England U21 worldwide as it might seem as if he’s a perfect match for his system.

As soon as described as a “Rolls-Royce” kind of participant by Gunners legend Martin Keown for his show in opposition to them within the FA Cup final season, the 22-year-old dynamo can affect a recreation at both finish of the pitch, having averaged 1.8 dribbles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and one key go per recreation for Nottingham Forest throughout their promotion-winning run within the Championship in 2021/22.

The wing-backs are arguably a very powerful function in Conte’s system, so you may neglect about stars like Heung-min Son and Harry Kane for a second, as a result of if the creativity and drive isn’t coming from Spurs’ vast choices, then the pair will battle immensely.

A younger and growing Spence is definitely a much better and extra dependable possibility than the inconsistent and calamitous Emerson at proper wing-back, and as such, the Tottenham boss should do the precise factor and unleash him on the Waldstadion this night – it might show to be an absolute stroke of genius come full-time.

AND in different information, Conte might unearth an ideal Maddison different in Spurs’ 17 y/o “pure finisher”…