Senesi’s display puts Van de Ven’s place in doubt for Coventry

Marcos Senesi’s performance against Manchester United has turned Tottenham’s centre-back selection into a live debate ahead of Monday’s home match with Coventry. Micky van de Ven missed the United game after picking up a knock on international duty; Senesi started and impressed. Tottenham have not confirmed who will start against Coventry.

Supporters are split. Some want Senesi to keep his place, pointing to his passing and all-round defending. Others favour Van de Ven’s pace, especially against a Coventry side they expect to sit back and counter. Fans arguing for a high line say Van de Ven’s recovery speed could be important if Coventry break forward; those backing Senesi say his United display deserves another start.

The debate is not just about who had the better previous game. It is also about which qualities Tottenham want at the back for this particular match: Senesi’s distribution, or Van de Ven’s pace against a potential counter-attack. Neither argument settles the team sheet, and the club have not confirmed the choice.

Coventry arrive at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a two-game winning run, having beaten Nottingham Forest away and Newcastle at home. They have six points from six games and sit 14th. The original report also notes that Tottenham are 19th and have yet to beat a side that was in the league last season, adding pressure to a home fixture Spurs will want to turn into a win.

Kick-off is scheduled for 20:00 BST on Monday, 19 October. Senesi’s showing has made the centre-back decision the key selection question, but the answer will matter as much for how Tottenham plan to defend Coventry’s threat as for recognition of his performance against United.