Tottenham Prepare For Man United Test With Key Fitness Calls
Tottenham approach their Premier League meeting with Man United in a period that feels both promising and precarious, shaped by sharp midweek form and uncertainty around influential players. The focus inevitably sits on Mohammed Kudus, who remains central to the tactical fabric of this Spurs side and whose availability could define how they approach Saturday at 12.30pm GMT.
Kudus Fitness Call Shapes Attacking Plan
Kudus missed the Champions League win over Copenhagen because of a knock, and while the winger himself admitted the issue was “getting better”, clarity around his status remains elusive. Thomas Frank offered little certainty on Friday when he stated: “Kudus is touch and go for tomorrow, we’ll see.” For a player who has produced more Premier League assists than anyone this season, that level of doubt is a significant subplot in the build up to Tottenham vs Man United.
Should he miss out, the logic points toward Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert retaining their places after both scored in midweek. Johnson’s direct running and Odobert’s composure in tight spaces gave Copenhagen persistent problems, and there is trust that the pair can reproduce that impact domestically.
Midfield and Full Back Roles Under Discussion
Xavi Simons delivered a lively showing in the No10 role on Tuesday and is expected to operate there again. His ability to receive between the lines, drive at centre backs and link with runners offers Tottenham a crucial connector in transitions. Behind him, Joao Palhinha should return to the starting lineup, a move that restores bite and structure in front of the back four.
Destiny Udogie also impressed in Europe and is pushing strongly to keep his starting place. Should the left back get the nod again, Djed Spence would be reduced to the bench, with the technical and positional balance of the unit likely guiding Frank’s call.
Kolo Muani Leads The Line
In attack, Randal Kolo Muani looks set to continue as the spearhead of the front line. After starting the last two fixtures and playing seventy minutes in each, he now appears sharp enough to hold off the challenge from Richarlison. His movement when dropping short and spinning behind offers versatility that Frank values in matches of high tactical tension, particularly one against a Man United side that has fluctuated in defensive structure this season.
Lucas Bergvall remains unavailable due to concussion protocols, and Dominic Solanke is not yet close to a return following ankle surgery. The broader injury list also includes Davies, Dragusin, Takai, Gray, Maddison and Bissouma.
Predicted Tottenham XI
Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kudus, Simons, Odobert, Kolo Muani.