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Emma de Duve

Three ways Tottenham can line up vs Leicester as Antonio Conte makes Japhet Tanganga decision

Tottenham travel to the King Power Stadium to play Leicester City on Wednesday night and Antonio Conte has some decisions to make regarding his starting XI.

The first fixture between the two sides, which was scheduled to be played in mid December, was called off and it is now being played ahead of Spurs' third clash of the month against Chelsea.

Both teams had their most recent fixtures called off at the weekend with the Foxes due to play Burnley and the Lilywhites preparing for their North London Derby.

Leicester have had a few extra days to prepare as Tottenham's last game was against Chelsea, in their Carabao Cup semi-final second leg.

In his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Conte looked ahead to the game against Brendan Rogers side.

"Our priority is the Leicester game," the Italian admitted. "We know that we have to play against a really good team that in the last years won a title, won an FA Cup, won a Community Shield.

"They're showing that they're doing important things in England. Leicester is a reality, they're not a surprise."

Conte is still dealing with injury issues, ruling Eric Dier, Cristian Romero and Heung-min Son out of the fixture and football.london takes a look at how the 52-year-old could line-up at the King Power on Wednesday.

Lloris; Tanganga, Sanchez, Davies; Emerson, Winks, Skipp, Reguilon; Bergwijn, Kane, Moura

Conte has a decision to make regarding the defence that has largely been in place for the last three fixtures - with the exception of Joe Rodon in the FA Cup match.

Japhet Tanganga has made a number of mistakes in recent games, being at fault in the build up for all three goals against Chelsea (over the two legs) and for the one Morecambe scored.

However, the Italian has stuck with the 22-year-old and may decide to keep consistency with the backline.

Emerson Royal has struggled with his crossing and final ball in the attacking third of his wing-back role. This has been a bit unexpected from the Brazilian who has previous experience in this position.

However, with the only other option being Matt Doherty, Royal may keep his spot in the starting XI.

Another decision to be made is in the middle of the field, as there is still competition between Pierre Emile Hojbjerg, Harry Winks and Oliver Skipp. The latter two have arguably performed the best out of the trio, in recent fixtures, so could be the duo who get the nod.

Lloris; Tanganga, Sanchez, Davies; Doherty, Hojbjerg, Winks, Reguilon; Bergwijn, Kane, Moura

Doherty has been played as both a right and left wing-back in the last couple of games and has also switched sides during matches.

However, the Republic of Ireland international has also struggled with his end product and crossing of the ball, on both sides he has played on.

Playing down the left flank hasn't done him any favours as he has had to cut in on his right foot every time, making his next moves predictable for the opposition.

Hojbjerg hasn't been in his best form in the last few fixtures but has been a key player for Spurs this season, with his leadership skills a quality some of his teammates lack and therefore may keep his place in the starting side.

With the absence of Son and return of Steven Bergwijn, the Dutch international could get some much needed game time.

Bergwijn made a positive impact in the Carabao Cup quarter-final game against West Ham, contributing with a goal and an assist and he will want to impress the Spurs boss if he is given the chance.

Lloris; Sanchez, Rodon, Davies; Emerson, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Sessegnon; Gil, Kane, Moura

Rodon has been unlucky with match minutes this season, making just one Premier League appearance, but he did get his chance against the Shrimps.

Although the Welshman didn't do much wrong in the FA Cup tie, he also didn't stand out in the game, which can't have been helped by the rib injury he had been carrying.

However, with the ongoing busy fixture schedule, Conte may look to give Rodon another chance and give Tanganga a rest.

The Italian may also opt for the Hojbjerg and Skipp partnership that has worked so well in a number of games this season.

Sergio Reguilon has missed the last couple of games and if he is still overcoming slight problems, Ryan Sessegnon may be given the nod. The 21-year-old has shown some bright spells when given an opportunity and may just need some more time to improve his match fitness.

Bryan Gil is another who has shown his potential when given the chance. The Spaniard looks for good spaces, has a lot of energy and puts in 100 per cent effort.

Conte will hope that whoever he picks to start in the match on Wednesday brings the energy and effort needed to get three points, as the battle for a top-four spot continues.

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