Tottenham Hotspur v Vitesse: What will Antonio Conte’s first line-up look like for Europa Conference League clash?

Tottenham Hotspur host Vitesse Arnhem in their fourth European Conference League fixture of the campaign this evening.

Tottenham Hotspur take on Vitesse this evening in Antonio Conte’s first match in charge since his appointment earlier this week.

The London club currently sit third in Group G of the Europea Conference League after enduring a disappointing defeat to the Dutch side last month.

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They have previously started weakened sides in the competition, with the likes of 17-year-old striker Dane Scarlett starting up top, but a difficult opening three matches may see Conte play a stronger side as they look to progress past the group stages.

It has only been two days since the Italian manager joined the club and it is not yet clear just who will feature in his very first line-up, however one thing is for sure is that he will switch to his favourite 3-5-2 formation - the same tactic that helped him to win league titles with Chelsea, Juventus and Inter Milan.

With that in mind, here is how Spurs could line-up for today’s clash...

Pierluigi Gollini

Pierluigi Gollini has been Spurs’ man for European fixtures this season and it seems likely that he will stay in net for now.

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However, club captain Hugo Lloris joined managing director Fabio Paratici at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference and Conte may want his skipper involved in his first game in charge.

The Frenchman will no doubt start between the sticks in Spurs’ fixture against Everton this weekend and I think Conte should allow Gollini to continue featuring in the competition for now.

Japhet Tanganga, Cristian Romero, Eric Dier

I expect Conte to opt for a slightly stronger defence than the one that lost to Vitesse previously, with Cristian Romero and Eric Dier coming in for Joe Rodon and Davinson Sanchez.

The former Inter Milan manager will know of Romero from the centre-back’s time in Italy with Atalanta where he was named as Serie A’s Best Defender last season.

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Tanganga has featured in Spurs’ previous two European fixtures and could continue his run in the team, while Dier or Sanchez may be used to strengthen the back three.

Matt Doherty, Tanguy Ndombele, Giovani Lo Celso, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Sergio Reguilon

Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon could feature as Conte’s wing-backs against Vitesse tonight, with the latter fully fit after being an unused substitute in Spurs’ defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.

Doherty was Nuno’s first choice right-back in the Europa Conference League and could remain in the team tonight with Emerson Royal likely to retain his spot in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

Conte’s preferred 3-5-2 formation means one of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp are likely to miss out with the other two midfield spots left for more attacking players and I expect the ex-Southampton man to take up the role.

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The other two positions could be taken by Tanguy Ndombele - who was benched against the Red Devils - and Giovani Lo Celso, however the 25-year-old will face competition from the likes of Lucas Moura and Dele Alli.

Son Heung-min, Harry Kane

Dane Scarlett has been Spurs’ first choice striker in the Europa Conference League this season, however he is yet to score for the Premier League club in the competitionand, given their struggles in the competition so far, he could be replaced for tonight’s clash.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane have been Spurs’ main source of goals since the South Korean’s arrival in 2015 and, while Kane is enduring a tricky patch in his career, the duo will be hoping they can return to their best under their new manager.

A revival of their brilliant partnership last season would be perfect for Spurs and fans will be eager to see it kickstart this evening.

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