Predicting How Tottenham's Starting XI Will Look Next Season

Heading into the summer transfer window, Tottenham faces a crossroads in its progression as a club.

There are numerous ways in which Spurs' summer could progress, ranging from a few minor tweaks on what was a fairly successful side to a hefty overhaul of new options.

While it may not be certain which players will be at the club next season, one can get a fairly good idea of Tottenham's first-choice lineup at this point.

After all, 10 players started over half of Spurs' Premier League matches this past season, with four of them starting over 30 matches.

So what is Tottenham's 2013-14 starting XI looking like at this moment?

Here is a prediction for Spurs' lineup next season.

GK: Hugo Lloris

In his first season at Tottenham, goalkeeper Hugo Lloris quickly established himself as the club's top goalkeeper.

The captain of France's national team took the reins from American Brad Friedel and ended up starting 27 Premier League matches by season's end.

At 26 years of age, Lloris looks to have a long career ahead of him at White Hart Lane.

Count on the Frenchman starting between the posts next year.

RB: Kyle Walker

English right-back Kyle Walker has carved out a niche for himself in the Tottenham defense.

Walker had some inconsistent moments, but one would expect manager Andre Villas-Boas to give the 23-year-old a chance to get better in that regard.

After all, the pace that Walker gives to Spurs at full-back is quite valuable.

CB: Jan Vertonghen

One of the most obvious selections for Tottenham is Jan Vertonghen at center back.

In his very first season at White Hart Lane, the Belgian proved to be one of the finest signings of last summer's transfer window.

After 34 league starts and four goals, Vertonghen was named to the PFA team of the year.

There is no chance the 26-year-old Vertonghen will be anywhere but in the center of Spurs' defense come next season.

CB: Michael Dawson

After a rocky start to last season that saw him almost leave Tottenham for QPR, Michael Dawson has established himself as a club leader.

The Englishman put in 23 fine starts, developed a good partnership with fellow center half Jan Vertonghen and served well as the club's captain.

Dawson should be leading the side once more next season.

LB: Danny Rose

The first major change to Tottenham's starting XI comes at left-back with Danny Rose.

This past season's starter at the position, Benoit Assou-Ekotto, failed to impress throughout the year and was even dropped for some key matches.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Rose was out on loan at Sunderland, where he was extremely impressive in helping the Black Cats avoid relegation.

Spurs fans will remember Rose for "that goal," but he will hopefully add to that legacy next season.

RM: Aaron Lennon

Rumors have surfaced over the past few weeks of a possible move that would see Aaron Lennon go to Inter Milan this summer, as the Mirror reports.

As much as that might seem like an interesting twist for Tottenham, the move seems quite unlikely.

Lennon's quality is undeniable; when he is at the top of his game, his pace is nearly impossible to handle.

However, the 26-year-old's consistency, especially in terms of time on the pitch, has been lacking.

It is possible that Spurs might want to move on from the Englishman, but it seems more likely that the club will hold on to Lennon and give him another season to try to reach his potential.

CM: Moussa Dembele

Moussa Dembele is another player who moved to Tottenham last summer and immediately established himself at the club.

The ex-Fulham man seemed to provide Spurs with some much-needed creativity and quickly became a fan favorite with his balance and ability hold onto the ball.

The Belgian has had some injury concerns in his short time at White Hart Lane, but it's hard to imagine him not having a place in the starting XI when healthy.

CM: Sandro

Looking back on Tottenham's run-in this past season, it is tough not to wonder what might have happened had Sandro not gotten injured.

The Brazilian was one of Spurs' top contributors through the first part of the season.

Sandro's defensive contributions in the midfield could not be understated and were merely underscored by Scott Parker's troubles when he returned from injury.

Getting the 24-year-old back from his lengthy injury will feel like a new signing for Tottenham.

LM: Clint Dempsey

This is a tough position to call, as it could be a spot that Tottenham look to address in the transfer window.

However, the nod right now would have to go to Clint Dempsey.

The American struggled at the start of last season, faltering as he adjusted to a new club and contributing little on the pitch.

However, Dempsey came around as the season went on and became a key man in the run in.

As it stands, one should expect Dempsey to at least have a place in the first squad to begin next season.

CAM: Gareth Bale

Much has been made of potential moves for Gareth Bale this summer.

However, the signs currently point toward the Welshman staying at least one more season at White Hart Lane.

Needless to say. it would be huge for Spurs' hopes next season if Bale were to stay through the summer.

After all, the club relied, at times almost to a fault, on him down the stretch this past season.

Spurs supporters will be hoping to see the reigning PFA Player of the Year starting at White Hart Lane come September.

ST: Leandro Damiao

It looks like Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy may have finally worn down Brazilian club Internacional in his pursuit of striker Leandro Damiao.

The Brazilian is strongly linked with a move to Europe this summer, and Spurs seem to be a leading candidate.

It has been no secret that Tottenham are looking for a new striking unit. After all, the side lacked depth with just two experienced strikers and those two, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe, were at best inconsistent.

Thus, it is very likely that Spurs' starter will be a fresh face next season.

Reports from the Daily Mail and The Guardian say that Aston Villa's Christian Benteke, Barcelona's David Villa and Valencia's Roberto Soldado are other rumored possibilities for the club.

However, a competitive market could rule out a move for Benteke, while Villa is getting a bit older and having injury concerns.

Soldado would be a great choice, but Damiao seems a bit more likely at this point.

With Levy's tough negotiating style, though, it's hard to predict how these moves will play out.

Tottenham fans should just hope the club doesn't follow the same path it did in January and actually sign a few of these options by August.

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