London (AFP) – Jose Mourinho handed Gedson Fernandes just his second start for Tottenham in Wednesday’s Champions League last 16, first leg against RB Leipzig.
The 21-year-old Benfica loanee comes in to bolster Mourinho’s midfield with Spurs short of options up front.
Son Heung-min and Harry Kane will miss both legs against the Germans through injury so Lucas Moura starts in attack, flanked by Dele Alli and Steven Bergwijn.
Leipzig hand a rare start to Chelsea loanee Ethan Ampadu in a back three.
The free-scoring Timo Werner leads the line for Julian Nagelsmann’s side, but Emil Forsberg, Yussuf Poulsen and new signing Dani Olmo are left on the bench.
Tottenham (4-3-3)
Hugo Lloris (capt); Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld, Ben Davies; Harry Winks, Giovani Lo Celso, Gedson Fernandes; Dele Alli, Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn
Coach: Jose Mourinho (POR)
RB Leipzig (3-4-3)
Peter Gulacsi; Marcel Halstenberg, Lukas Klostermann, Ethan Ampadu; Nordi Mukiele, Marcel Sabitzer (capt), Konrad Laimer, Angelino; Christopher Nkunku, Timo Werner, Patrik Schick
Coach: Julian Nagelsmann (GER)
Referee: Cuneyt Cakır (TUR)
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