The stage is set and the Premier League teams are now preparing themselves for the showdown. The London club Tottenham Hotspur will be travelling to the Goodison Park for their first fixture of the new season, as the newly revived Everton side will be waiting desperately for them. Despite having the players like Romelu Lukaku and John Stones, the toffees were unable to secure a top half finish, but this time around, the tables might turn as they have Ronald Koeman to their support.
Why Ronald Koeman is a threat for the Lilly-Whites can be easily determined by his last meeting with the North-Londoners as his ex-team, Southampton thrashed the Lilly-Whites by two goals to one at White Hart Lane on the second last game of the 2015-16 season. Everton recently lost their star man John Stones to Manchester City, but the manager instantly filled the void as he acquired the services of Wales defender Ashley Williams.
Tottenham, on the other hand, have been very cautious in the window and the manager deployed his strict policies as he made it very clear about the players he sees in his squad on the longer run. In terms of incoming as well, he has only made two signings and Wanyama is the one, who is likely to feature in the game.
A new season, a new hope; we here bring you the strongest possible lineup for Tottenham Hotspur that could give Everton a run for their money:
Goalkeeper: Hugo Lloris-
The 29-year-old French shot-stopper is a sure starter for the Lilly-Whites, and he will have to be on his toes as players like Kevin Mirallas, Lennon and Lukaku will be looking forward to exploit the defence with their pace.
Defence: Walker; Alderweireld; Wimmer; Rose-
This will be the most obvious back line for the squad. The English full-back Kyle Walker will most probably be facing Kevin Mirallas on the flanks, hence, it will be a complete speedy battle. The 26-year-old was one of the best performers in the league last term and the same form is expected from him.
For the centre back spot, the manager might go with a pairing of Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer. Their first choice, Jan Vertonghen, has returned to the training after suffering an ankle injury at Euro 2016, but many believe that the manager will be giving him time to recover to the full fitness, hence, Kevin Wimmer, who signed a new contract earlier this summer is likely to be featured.
And for the left spot, the side have their precious possession, Danny Rose.
Holding midfield: Dier; Wanyama-
With Dembele facing a ban, the manager will be using the new acquisition Victor Wanyama as a central partner for the English international, Eric Dier. The centre-back turned defender is supposed to play a big role this time and also, the fans are expecting much more than what he delivered last season. Wanyama, on the other hand, was a concrete figure for Southampton last term and has been impressive in the pre-seasong games.
Attacking Trio: Lamela; Alli; Eriksen-
The Argentine attacker, Erik Lamela, showed glimpses of his potential during the team’s pre-season tour and the player himself will be looking forward to replicate it over the course of the season. The Argentine will most probably be colliding with the tough and experienced left back Leighton Baines, hence, he will need to find a way to surpass him.
Dele Alli will be regaining his spot as a number 10 man for the side just behind Harry Kane, and on the left flank, the former Ajax attacker Christian Eriksen will be charging down the left flank. The 24-year-old has recently rejected a new contract extension from the club, amidst all that, he is likely to feature in the game.
Striker: Harry Kane-
Tottenham recently bought Vincent Janssen, but still, the manager will surely be using their current number one, Harry Kane.
