Predicted Tottenham XI vs Leicester City as Ange Postecoglou makes Archie Gray call and drops £25m man

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Just over a year ago, Tottenham Hotspur started Premier League life under Ange Postecoglou with a 2-2 draw away to Brentford.

Oliver Skipp played in midfield, Richarlison up top, and Emerson Royal even grabbed a goal for Tottenham after starting at right-back.

Cristian Romero scored the other momentarily before it was deemed that he needed to come off the pitch owing to an earlier head injury.

And whilst a lot of that eleven will once again start the season away to Leicester City on Monday, there’s more reason for optimism this time around.

Postecoglou is thought to have a fitter squad now – one better prepared to meet his demands.

And there’s also the addition of Dominic Solanke, who will certainly have one of two Spurs fans excited.

That being said, on the eve of Tottenham’s opener, Postecoglou has confirmed at his press conference that Yves Bissouma won’t be involved, the £25m-midfielder has been suspended for his recent behaviour off of the pitch.

And that presents a big opportunity for Archie Gray, who may get the nod ahead of Rodrigo Bentancur.

Archie Gray starts but Brennan Johnson drops to the bench for Tottenham vs Leicester

Postecoglou has two big decisions to make, firstly who to replace Bissouma in midfield, and then the Spurs boss also needs to weigh up the pros and cons of Brennan Johnson vs Dejan Kulusevski.

Fortunately, there seems little reason to question Solanke’s readiness to start immediately.

READ MORE: Chris Sutton shares bold prediction of where Tottenham will finish in the Premier League

TBR Football believes that Postecoglou could turn to Gray in midfield after honing his defensive skills during pre-season.

Bentancur was excellent at times against Bayern Munich but may miss out to the 18-year-old, who evidently has such a high ceiling.

And after his antics against Bayern, it would be something of a shock if Kulusevski didn’t take his position on the right wing.

Tottenham’s back five is very familiar, the strongest quintet available to Postecoglou last season too.

But just like last term, Spurs are lacking depth in almost every position across the back, even for Guglielmo Vicario were he to miss a period of games.

Perhaps Kyle Walker-Peters could be the answer for Tottenham defensively – a player they are still interested in signing before the end of August.

However, what is clear is Jamie Donley is unlikely to be able to provide left-back cover on Monday.

Donley is close to leaving Tottenham on loan, an exciting step in his career.