It’s an experimental side
Oliver Skipp will make his full Premier League debut for Tottenham Hotspur against Burnley this afternoon, after Mauricio Pochettino decided to field an experimental side.
Oliver Skipp makes his full @premierleague debut! 👊#COYS pic.twitter.com/LU0wa7z3ps
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 15, 2018
18-year-old Skipp will play in central midfield, alongside Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli, and Erik Lamela. His consistently impressive performances in the youth sides have earned him some very big plaudits over the past two years, and for Spurs fans it was always a matter of when and not if.
His inclusion in the team is not the only surprise, though. Ben Davies also starts at centre-back next to Toby Alderweireld, with Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sánchez injured.
Eric Dier misses out through illness.
#THFC: Lloris (C), Trippier, Alderweireld, Davies, Rose, Skipp, Sissoko, Lamela, Dele, Lucas, Kane.
Latest odds from @WilliamHill 👉 https://t.co/q6SJcjSkwM#COYS pic.twitter.com/feJmyvd1b5
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) December 15, 2018
Davies has played as one of three centre-backs for Wales on many occasions, but never as one of two within a back four. It will be a test for him, especially considering the physical test that Ashley Barnes poses in the air.
Burnley, meanwhile, line up in a very defensive 5-4-1. You’re not that surprised, are you?
https://twitter.com/BurnleyOfficial/status/1073940785081540608
