When it comes to facing a formidable opponent like Manchester City, the pressure is on. Tottenham Hotspur's manager Thomas Frank is confronted with the challenge of assembling a competitive squad for their upcoming Premier League match this Sunday.
As of now, Spurs find themselves grappling with an overcrowded treatment room filled with injured players. However, there's a glimmer of hope as some team members who missed the recent 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt are set to return. This win was pivotal, allowing Tottenham to secure a spot in the Champions League knockout stage, finishing fourth in their group.
Despite this triumph, Tottenham’s situation in the Premier League is concerning, sitting in 14th place. The team is about to embark on a grueling series of matches, starting with Pep Guardiola's squad, followed by a challenging encounter against Manchester United, and then crucial home games against both Newcastle and Arsenal.
Frank has been experimenting with a 3-4-3 formation, which seems to effectively leverage the strengths of his players. Given the caliber of the opposing team, he is likely to stick with this strategy. He is particularly hopeful about the fitness of Micky van de Ven, who trained earlier in the week. However, Frank must tread carefully, as rushing van de Ven back into action while he’s not fully fit could result in a longer-term injury, especially against City's potent offense.
Another concern is Kevin Danso, who appeared to be in discomfort after taking a harsh tumble during the game against Frankfurt. His situation remains uncertain as the team awaits updates on whether his condition has improved or worsened since that match.
If Frank finds himself with limited choices, he may decide to utilize Joao Palhinha once again in the defensive lineup, given his impressive performance in Germany. Additionally, Radu Dragusin, who hasn't had a start in a year, could potentially make his debut. There’s also the young talent Jun'ai Byfield, although starting him in such a high-stakes match would be quite a leap. Another option includes playing Destiny Udogie as a left-sided center-back while introducing Brazilian Souza, who has been out of action for six weeks and needs to regain fitness.
In the midfield, Frank can now rely on Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma, both of whom are available to strengthen the center. Archie Gray, who showcased his skills in the prior match, might also be considered for various roles should any players need a break, particularly since the club is light on full-backs. Pape Matar Sarr recently returned to form and has been a thorn in City's side in previous encounters.
For the attack, Mathys Tel presents a fresh alternative, while Dominic Solanke is expected to reclaim his place in the starting eleven after impressing with a goal during his late appearance in Germany. It's plausible that Randal Kolo Muani's recent improvement could see him positioned just behind Solanke, leading to Wilson Odobert being dropped from the lineup, as Xavi Simons remains crucial for Spurs' creative play.
Considering all these factors, here’s the team we anticipate Frank might select:
Formation: 3-4-3
Vicario; Palhinha, Danso, Romero; Gray, Gallagher, Bissouma, Udogie; Kolo Muani, Xavi; Solanke.
