Spurs Face Tactical Crossroads Ahead of Champions League Test
Spurs approach their meeting with PSG in the Champions League with a sense of unease rather than anticipation. The fallout from a bruising derby defeat has reshaped the mood around the club, and the focus now turns to Thomas Frank’s decisions as he navigates a contest that could define the tone of their European campaign.
The manager must weigh the consequences of his recent tactical choices. His use of a back-five against Arsenal was only the second time he had deployed that structure this season. The first outing worked well, in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG in August, but repeating it in the derby brought a damaging 4-1 loss that raised urgent questions. Frank pushed back against criticism, insisting that the issue stemmed from failure in duels rather than the formation itself, yet the complications remain.
Formation Options Shape Predicted Lineup
Another subdued display in a back-five risks amplifying the pressure, which is why a return to the 4-2-3-1 system appears more probable. It offers rhythm, passing lanes and a clearer attacking identity. Pedro Porro seems likely to rejoin the starting eleven after beginning on the bench at the weekend, while Pape Matar Sarr could provide much-needed energy in midfield.
Randal Kolo Muani, eligible to face his parent club, will hope to lead the line. Richarlison’s spectacular goal in the derby has offered him a claim, but the balance of the squad points towards a central role for Kolo Muani. Simons, who has been named on the bench in both previous away Champions League fixtures, may shift into the left-sided role if Frank prioritises extra midfield presence.
Unavailable Players Influence Selection
Spurs remain without Brennan Johnson following his red card against Copenhagen. Mathys Tel, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies and Kota Takai are also absent, having been excluded from the Champions League squad for the league phase. Long-term injuries affect Bissouma, Maddison, Kulusevski and Solanke, further tightening Frank’s options.
Predicted Spurs Lineup
Predicted Tottenham XI, 4-2-3-1: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence, Palhinha, Bentancur, Kudus, Sarr, Simons, Kolo Muani.
Time and date: 8pm GMT on Wednesday November 26, 2025
Venue: Parc des Princes, Paris
Spurs require clarity, assertiveness and a coherent structure if they are to emerge from Paris with both composure and momentum restored. The predicted lineup reflects not only necessity but the unmistakable need for renewal.