Tottenham will look to win their second trophy in three months when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup.
Spurs will take on PSG in the Super Cup on Wednesday (13 August) at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, Italy.
This will be Thomas Frank’s first opportunity to win a competitive trophy since taking over as head coach at Tottenham. While the Dane has had some hiccups during pre-season, Spurs fans will look to remain optimistic.
Meanwhile, the current UEFA Champions League holders may not be as invincible as they first appear. But whatever side of the fence fans sit on, the confrontation promises to be a blockbuster event.
PSG vs Tottenham preview
Tottenham will be keen to start the Frank era on the right foot with a victory against PSG.
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Both teams will be coming into this match on varying levels of team form. The French giants have won four of their last five matches, while Spurs have just one win in five.
However, PSG have yet to take to the pitch since their mammoth 3-0 defeat to Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final. Meanwhile, the Lilywhites have had six pre-season fixtures to get back into shape.
As a result, Tottenham may have the advantage heading into the tie.
Team News
Tottenham welcomed James Maddison back into the fold last month, only for him to sustain an ACL injury against Newcastle in South Korea.
As such, Frank will be without his midfield maestro for the game and some time after, while Dejan Kulusevski is not expected to return in time for the Premier League’s return.
But in a huge boost for the North London side, both Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie have been named in Spurs’ 22-man squad for the clash with PSG. This comes after both were sidelined during pre-season due to different injuries.
Solanke could even start over Richarlison in Udine despite just returning to the team.
Meanwhile, Djed Spence should feature over Udogie, and Guglielmo Vicario will likely retain his starting spot. Furthermore, Frank could hand both Joao Palhinha and Mohammed Kudus starts in Italy.
Predicted Lineup
Tottenham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Tel, Solanke
Prediction: PSG 2-1 Tottenham
While Tottenham could have the edge at certain points, the North London club will likely suffer defeat on Wednesday.
Luis Enrique’s side is not invincible, as Chelsea revealed to the world. However, he is a manager who tends to learn from his mistakes.
Pedro Porro’s long balls could provide an escape for the Lilywhites. However, it’s a trick which could be found out quickly by the Spanish manager.
But football is on the day, and the Dane could hold off the opposition long enough to make some meaningful damage. Even if Tottenham were to walk away with a 2-1 defeat, it could be the narrowest of ones.