Mohammed Kudus’ position for the PSG game tonight remains one of the key decisions for Thomas Frank amid concerns over Djed Spence’s attitude.
Europa League champions Tottenham Hotspur take on Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Supercup final later this evening.
The pair both overcame constant European failures last season to be deemed two of the best teams on the continent and will go head-to-head in the inaugural event.
PSG enter the game with technically no pre-season after their Club World Cup exploits, dramatically falling at the hands of Chelsea in the USA.
Spurs were undefeated in five pre-season games under the Dane, but a 4-0 humbling by Bayern Munich suggests there’s much more work for the Lilywhites to do ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Prior to the game, Frank has some huge calls to make when it comes to his starting XI as he looks to compete with arguably the best attack in world football.
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Filling the number 10 void – Frank to play safe with Sarr or bold with Kudus
After the injuries to Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, the Lilywhites are currently without a recognised attacking midfielder.
How the former Brentford boss decides to cope with the lack of a creator remains to be seen, especially after missing out on Jack Grealish after his move to Everton.
Under Ange Postecoglou, Pape Sarr was deployed as makeshift number 10, essentially an extra holding midfielder to put pragmatism first – extremely unlike the Australian, I know.
It was a move that worked in the Europa League final and has also been adopted by Frank during pre-season.
Considering the threat of the French side’s transitions, it would seem wise to play a bit more cautiously, yet this could lead to little attacking threat going forward.
Alternatively, a bold move to put new signing Kudus behind the striker may be a tactically astute play, albeit experimental.
Under Graham Potter at West Ham, the Ghanian frequently played up top, consistently making superb defence splitting runs in-behind.
Moreover, Richarlison or Dominic Solanke are known for their hold-up play, so the former Ajax winger could benefit from the striker’s occupying the PSG centre-backs, dragging them out of the backline and serving space on a silver platter for the number 20.
It would be a risky move to do during a major cup final, but considering Spurs’ limited options creatively, the Dane may as well give it a go.
Choosing experience over youth at left-back – the agile Spence or the dependable Davies
Whilst Destiny Udogie remains out with a knee injury, many squad predictors would envision the ex-Nottingham Forest man Spence to nail down the left-hand side.
However, in the 4-0 demolition by Bayern, the Englishman struggled to cope with both Kingsley Coman and Michael Olise, leading to his withdrawal on the 64th minute.
He dillydallied on the ball which led to the German outfit stealing possession, similar to how PSG will do with their high press.
Additionally, according to football.london (8 August), Frank watched the reaction of Spence with intent when he came off the pitch to see his reaction.
The 25-year-old walked “straight to an empty seat while expressing displeasure at either his or the team’s performance.”
The ex-Bees coach “watched him in his seat for some time before eventually turning back to the game”, as he supposedly was “glaring” at him.
This potentially suggests the Scandinavian was unhappy with his reaction which could see him dropped for tonight.
The natural left-back successor would be Davies, although the 32-year-old will likely be blown away by the speed and tenacity of Desire Doue down the right-flank.
Micky van de Ven could also step in on the left side of defence, a role he has done with a fair amount of success last season under Postecoglou.
The striker spot – continue with the goal-shy Richarlison or bring Solanke straight back into the fold
Greatly admired for his unrelenting energy and work rate, the Brazilian Richarlison is beloved to the Tottenham fans, despite not notching the goals.
He has been filling in up front in the absence of Dominic Solanke, who has been declared fit for the final after suffering with niggling injuries.
Throwing the former Bournemouth talisman into the mix straight away could be step too soon as Frank will want their prime source of goals to be ready for the start of the Premier League on the weekend.
Moreover, the game could be ideal for o pombo (the pigeon) as his superb hold-up play and defender-pulling movement should open up space in behind for the Spurs midfielders.
The Danish manager will be wanting to target the French side’s high line to release both Kudus and Brennan Johnson down the flanks.
Mathys Tel is also in with a shout to play down the middle, but I’ve not been enamoured by his performances during pre-season.