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We predict how Tottenham will line up in their Premier League opener against Manchester United

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How will Tottenham line up when they face Manchester United in the opening game of the Premier League season?

It has been a low-key transfer window at Spurs, but Mauricio Pochettino has strengthened his defence after conceding more goals than relegated Hull City last season.Toby Alderweireld and Kevin Wimmer have bolstered the centre, while Kieran Trippier provides another option at right-back.

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Tottenham Season preview

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The Lilywhites are in action at the Audi Cup this week and they are likely to add more new faces before the transfer window shuts on September 1, but this is what their line-up could look like at Old Trafford…

How Tottenham could line up for their opening game against Manchester United
Image: How Tottenham could line up for their opening game against Manchester United
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Goalkeeper

There is no doubting Hugo Lloris’ status as Tottenham’s No. 1 but the French international has missed most of pre-season with a fractured wrist, so Michel Vorm is likely to start at Old Trafford. The Dutchman has played second fiddle to Lloris since joining Spurs from Swansea last summer, but Brad Friedel’s retirement leaves him as the only other senior shot-stopper on Tottenham’s books. Youngster Luke McGee is currently third choice.

Defence

Image: Toby Alderweireld has joined Tottenham from Atletico Madrid

Tottenham’s defensive reshuffle means they are likely to field a new-look back four. New signing Alderweireld is likely to usurp Federico Fazio as first-choice partner to fellow Belgian Jan Vertonghen, while Wimmer will provide back-up following the departure of Younes Kaboul to Sunderland and Vlad Chiriches’ move to Napoli. At right-back, Kieran Trippier could get the nod ahead of Kyle Walker. Trippier produced more successful crosses than any other Premier League player last season and could provide a dangerous attacking outlet, with Danny Rose patrolling the left flank.

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Midfield

Image: Christian Eriksen is set to play a central role for Spurs this season

Spurs will hope for further improvement from Nabil Bentaleb and Ryan Mason at the base of midfield this season, starting at Old Trafford on Saturday. Nacer Chadli and Erik Lamela are likely to start on the left and right flanks respectively, while Christian Eriksen has become a talismanic figure in the No 10. role. The Dane featured in every one of Tottenham’s Premier League fixtures last season, and that run is set to continue against United.

Striker

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After a stunning breakthrough campaign last season, Harry Kane will hope to pick up where he left off against United. The 22-year-old scored 21 Premier League goals in 34 appearances in 2014/15, breaking into the England set-up and earning a reputation as one of the country’s most feared frontmen. Spurs are reportedly in the market for reinforcements as Emmanuel Adebayor and Roberto Soldado are linked with moves away from the club, but Kane is a guaranteed starter.

Subs

While Spurs are well-stocked in defence, their squad is shallow in other areas. Aaron Lennon and Soldado could be on the bench against United despite their uncertain futures, but Andros Townsend is an injury doubt. Alex Pritchard is also injured having returned from an impressive loan spell at Brentford, but former MK Dons youngster Dele Alli could be named on the bench along with the likes of Mousa Dembele and Tom Carroll.

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