Tottenham fans are split over who should start at centre‑back for the Coventry clash, with debate centring on Micky van de Ven versus Marcos Senesi.Despite a nine-day gap between the Manchester United and Coventry City fixtures, many Tottenham Hotspur supporters already have their minds fixed on the upcoming clash.That is hardly surprising given how pivotal the match is for Spurs, who currently sit 19th in the Premier League table.Tottenham have failed to secure a victory against sides that were in the league last season, and they will be hoping a home fixture against newly promoted Coventry provides the catalyst for a much-needed win.However, that will be far from straightforward, as Coventry arrive at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in good form. Frank Lampard’s side have secured back-to-back victories, beating Nottingham Forest away and Newcastle United at the Coventry Building Society Arena.That run of results has lifted them to 14th place, despite having spent the opening three weeks of the season bottom of the table.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramTottenham fans debate Micky van de Ven vs Marcos SenesiWith the game far from straightforward, Tottenham fans have taken to social media to debate who should start at centre-back on Monday.Marcos Senesi was given the nod last time out against United and impressed, while Micky van de Ven missed out after picking up a knock on international duty.Following Senesi’s display, Spurs supporters are now split on who their preferred centre-back should be.One fan asked: “Does Senesi stay in for VDV on Monday night?” To which many replied:“Leave the Tottenham captain out?”“VDV but I’d love Senesi in a DM/DLP role once to see how it works.”“Wouldn’t mind a five at the back with Van Hecke, VDV and Senesi in the middle, with Porro and Udogie on the flanks.”“I think we should try it. No matter how good people think VDV is, Tottenham do have a habit of conceding three when he plays.”“Hope so. His distribution and all-round defending is much better than VDV. The only thing VDV has on him is pace.”“Makes no sense. We will throw everything at Coventry. They will try and hit us on the counter. Who’s the best defender to have on the pitch to defend a counter attack…?”“Coventry will sit back and counter. Going to need Micky’s recovery speed.”“I want VDV’s pace. We are going to play a very high line against Coventry. Senesi has better passing but we have Van Hecke to do that from central defence.”“No. Coventry’s plan will likely be to sit back and attack on the break, and while Senesi was brilliant against United, VDV is our captain and will stop the counter better.”“Micky must start, arguably at left-back.”Does Senesi stay in for VDV on Monday night? I want to say yes…— Mitch Fretton (@mitch_fretton) October 14, 2026Senesi edges van de Ven in average ratings in the Premier League this seasonSpurs Web has since revealed the team they want to see De Zerbi put out against Coventry, including van de Ven at centre-back alongside Van Hecke.While many fans argue for van de Ven due to his pace, it is worth noting that the centre-back has barely registered the highest speed of any Tottenham player this season.At present, van de Ven’s top speed is 33.9 km/h, while Senesi has managed 31.8 km/h – a slender difference of 2.1 km/h. While not huge, it could be decisive in snuffing out a counter-attack or allowing a Coventry forward to break in behind.Overall, according to FotMob ratings, Senesi has been the stronger performer, averaging 7.23 compared to van de Ven’s 6.74.M. SenesiTottenham – Premier League (2026 – 2027)Appearances2Minutes Played179Average Rating7.30Goals0Tackles6Blocks2Interceptions2Duels Won15Fouls Committed3Yellow Cards0Red Cards0Stats correct as of 15 October 2026.READ MORE: Tottenham need a win but the stats show Coventry are a historical bogey teamThe post Some Tottenham fans want to see captain Micky van de Ven benched for key Coventry clash appeared first on Spurs Web.