Thomas Frank faces some big selection decisions as Tottenham prepare to open their Champions League campaign on Tuesday night.
The Lilywhites take on Villarreal in their opening encounter of the league phase, and they will be desperate to get off to a positive start as they return to the top table of European football for the first time since 2022/23.
Tottenham dismantled West Ham 3-0 at the weekend, and there are several players who will surely have staked a claim to earn a more regular place in the side in the aftermath of that win.
The return to Champions League action will be a hugely important night for Spurs, and with that in mind, Tottenham News predicts the lineup that will take on their Spanish visitors.
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Mathys Tel has been left out of the squad for the Champions League, meaning a change up front is guaranteed after the youngster led the line on Saturday.
Richarlison has made a bright start to the new campaign, but Frank may prefer to throw his new addition in at the deep end and hand him the chance to impress on the big stage with his first start.
Kolo Muani’s inclusion is likely to be one of three changes.
Rodrigo Bentancur was rested in Saturday’s trip to E20, but he will surely be recalled to the XI in place of Lucas Bergvall.
The 19-year-old completed 92% of his passes and notched a goal and an assist against West Ham, but Bentancur’s experience is likely to be preferred on this occasion.
In the backline, Destiny Udogie could be set for his first start since the opening game of pre-season, as Djed Spence may drop to the bench as Frank tries to add a little more balance to his team.
Tottenham need early wins in the Champions League
Tottenham’s return to Champions League action is eagerly anticipated in N17, and it is vital that they get off to a good start in this year’s league phase.
Frank’s men face some favourable fixtures in the early gameweeks, and wins will be invaluable given that what are arguably their toughest two tests are set to arrive in the final few games.
Clashes with PSG and Borussia Dortmund are certainly challenging, and will place even more importance on their ability to get up and running with a good start.
Frank was sensible in rotating a little for the visit to West Ham, and it should allow him to get his strongest XI out for their continental opener as a result.