Tottenham Hotspur are still recovering from that “sad draw” against Wolves. But the Lilywhites have no time to wipe their tears off as the games continue to come thick and fast. The North Londoners will now travel to the Arctic Circle as they prepare to face Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday as Thomas Frank & Co. resume Champions League duties.
But going into the game, you’d expect the Dane head coach to shuffle his pack a bit given how the minutes have started to build up, and he wouldn’t want fatigue to kick in, especially given that he has options and depth at his disposal.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Bodo/Glimt
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Starting with the personnel at the back, Vicario continues to keep his place. While many Likywhites faithful pointed fingers at him for the Wolves goal at the weekend, it doesn’t necessarily affect his place in the squad.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence
Pedro Porro is set to return to the starting eleven after he started on the bench against Wolves on Saturday. And having him at the back means we could see Djed Spence switch across to left-back. This allows Thomas Frank to rest Destiny Udogie, who came back from an injury not too long ago.
We can also see the Dane head coach handing Kevin Danso his first Champions League start in Lilywhites colours. This could see Cristian Romero rested, given that he has played a lot, and Frank would be looking to keep the Argentine skipper fresh after he had to put in a shift against Wolves. Micky van de Ven remains undroppable, given one of the leading defensive duo is rested.
Midfield: Pape Matar Sarr, Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall
After that underwhelming performance vs Wolves, getting the midfield right will be very important for Frank.
We saw Rodrigo Bentancur being criticised for fading in and out of the game at the weekend. And Pape Matar Sarr went on to have an impressive performance coming in off the bench. This could see the Senegalese midfielder being recalled into the starting eleven. He should continue with the partner midfield duo of Palhinha and Lucas Bergvall.
Sarr will be expected to bring his energy and progression to those central zones (something that the Uruguayan failed to do against Wolves).
Forward: Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Xavi Simons
Given that Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke are still on the sidelines and doubtful going into yet another game. Complemented by how Tel is not in the Lilywhites’ UCL squad, it does again look like Richarlison will continue to be that focal point upfront. The Brazilian had worked tirelessly against Wolves at the weekend, but he doesn’t have much of a resting room.
Speaking about the resting room. Frank does have an opportunity to bring fresh legs into the squad on that right flank. Mohammed Kudus could use some rest, and that means Brennan Johnson can get a run in. And then Xavi Simons continues on the left flank, given his experience playing in the Champions League. The former can act as a runner, while the latter as a creator, giving Tottenham that dynamic on the flanks.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Bodo/Glimt (4-3-3): Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence; Pape Matar Sarr, Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall; Brennan Johnson, Richarlison, Xavi Simons
