Tottenham Vs Southampton: Waiting For A Surprise XI Starting From Ryan Mason

JAKARTA - Tottenham Hotspur will have their first match since manager Jose Murinho was sacked on Tuesday. The Spurs host Southampton tonight.

Ryan Mason will lead Harry Kane et al for the first time. Like other teams that have just changed bosses, the starting XI of Spurs this time is also difficult to predict.

The 29-year-old explained that his arrival in the first team meant reopening playing opportunities for players who were marginalized by Mourinho. They are Dele Alli, Gareth Bale and Harry Winks.

📸 Interim Head Coach @RyanMason #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/SeHko1IgP3

- Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021

Mason also revealed that Kane is still doubtful for tonight's match, while Ben Davies remains sidelined due to injury.

However, Mason confirmed to football.london that right-back Matt Doherty has now returned to training with the squad.

The three defenders used by Mourinho during the draw at Everton are likely to return against the Saints.

That means the interim head coach will have to do what his predecessor had the most difficulty, choosing a center-back pair.

If Kane misses his former teammate's first game at the helm, then Mason will have to decide whether to install Carlos Vinicius or push Son Heung-min forward.

If Son is made a false nine, this will make room for Bale, Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela or possibly Alli to join.

Here are the teams Mason looks like he could pick for his first game as boss, with Son and Lucas swapping places:

(4-2-3-1) Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Rodon, Reguilon; Ndombele, Hojbjerg; Bale, Lo Celso, Lucas; Son.

𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗖𝗛𝗗𝗔𝗬 ⚪️ @RyanMason takes charge of his first game as Interim Head Coach today! 🆚 @SouthamptonFC 🏟️ Tottenham Hotspur Stadium🏆 @PremierLeague ⏱️ 6pm (UK) #THFC ⚪️ #COYS

- Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 21, 2021