Here is how Tottenham could line up against Slavia Praha in the Champions League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur will look to take another step towards the Champions League knockout stages when they host Slavia Praha at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The Lilywhites ended their barren league form at home at the weekend by beating Brentford 2-0. It was their first Premier League victory since the opening weekend, one that was much-needed ahead of a busy run of fixtures. Richarlison and Xavi Simons found themselves on the scoresheet, as Thomas Frank enjoyed a fine outing against his former club Brentford.
Having snapped a five-game winless sequence across all competitions, Tottenham will be now raring to get their Champions League campaign back on track which was slightly derailed by the 5-3 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in Paris last weekend. A victory over Slavia Praha might even see them move into the top eight of the league phase of the Champions League.
That said, here is how Tottenham could line up against the Czech Republic champions.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario has not had the easiest of times at Tottenham of late, but against Brentford on Saturday, things looked to be turning for good. When his name was announced, the fans showed great cheer and support in contrast to their boos and jeers during the Fulham game. Vicario responded to that backing by keeping a much-needed clean sheet in the victory Brentford.
Back at home, the Italian will be keen to soak up the same positive energy from the home fans and shut the shop as quickly as possible against Slavia Praha.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven nullified Igor Thiago’s threat at the weekend, playing a key role in the home side keeping a clean sheet. The pair is certain to start in defence on Tuesday evening, aiming to deliver another strong performance.
Destiny Udogie missed the Brentford fixture with a “soft tissue injury”, which Frank hopes will not sideline the defender for too long. This means we are expected to see Djed Spence retain his spot at left-back, with Pedro Porro operating from right-back.
Midfield: Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall, Xavi Simons
Following another quick turnaround, Frank could decide to make some changes to his squad. The midfield is expected to see a different look as compared to Saturday, with Joao Palhinha replacing Rodrigo Bentancur as the anchor. Archie Gray had a very good game against Brentford, but less recovery period means he is expected to make way for another exciting teenager Lucas Bergvall in central midfield.
Xavi Simons produced his best game in a Tottenham shirt against Brentford, pulling the strings from the No.10 position. He delivered an assist for Richarlison’s strike and scored his first Spurs goal brilliantly- a solo effort that saw the playmaker pick up the ball from the centre circle, drive past a few Brentford players and calmly slot past an onrushing Caoimhin Kelleher.
Gray, Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to come off the bench against Slavia Praha when required.
Attack: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert
There will be changes in attack, too. Randal Kolo Muani could make way for Wilson Odobert on the left flank, but Frank will persist with his most creative player Mohammed Kudus on the opposite wing. The onus will be on Odobert and Kudus to create openings from wide areas and feed Richarlison in the box.
Free from a one-game European suspension, Brennan Johnson is available to face Slavia Praha. The Welshman has the qualities to cause problems for a tiring Slavia defence in the second half.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup vs. Slavia Praha (4-2-3-1): Guglielmo Vicario; Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Djed Spence; Xavi Simons, Joao Palhinha, Lucas Bergvall; Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert.
