Mohammed Kudus returns as Xavi Simons faces axe in double change – Tottenham predicted XI vs Manchester United
Xavi Simons could return to the bench as Tottenham face Manchester United on Saturday.
Tottenham are set to face Man United in a return to Premier League action just three days after their Champions League exploits.
Thomas Frank finally secured a much-needed win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Tottenham beat Copenhagen 4-0 on Tuesday.
Micky van de Ven scored a wondergoal for Spurs, capping off what was an excellent night in Europe’s elite competition.
Attentions now turn back to the domestic stage in N17, with Simons potentially set to face the axe ahead of a clash with the Red Devils.
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Tottenham last faced Man United in the Europa League final as the Lilywhites and Ange Postecoglou secured a 1-0 win and the trophy.
The two sides will now meet again, with a familiar feel potentially set to be on show in Spurs’ backline.
Guglielmo Vicario looks likely to keep his place and could once again be supported by van de Ven and Cristian Romero at the back.
That can only be a boost to Frank and Co. after the duo completed six defensive actions between them last time around.
This ideal centre-back pairing could be joined, as it was in Bilbao, by Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro after their positive shift in midweek.
The duo combined to win nine duels while also creating two chances from full-back against Copenhagen.
Joao Palhinha could come in and sit in front of this stable back-four after coming off the bench to score and assist in the Champions League.
The Portugal international could link up once again with Rodrigo Bentancur, despite the reservations of some supporters against this midfield pairing.
Mohammed Kudus could make Tottenham return vs Man United
With Palhina potentially coming in, it could be another Premier League feature off the bench for Simons, just as he did against Chelsea.
The Netherlands international may have grabbed an assist against Copenhagen, but may benefit from further domestic minutes off the bench.
Pape Matar Sarr could prove to be the most progressive midfield option in a three, with a view to finding Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghana international missed out on the Champions League clash, but has since revealed that his issue is “getting better” and could point to his return against United.
After maintaining a 96 per cent pass accuracy while taking three shots in the Chelsea defeat, he will be fired up to perform against Ruben Amorim’s side.
That would be a sizable boost for Frank, especially if he starts alongside Randal Kolo Muani, who looked much-improved against the Danes in N17.