/https://sportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net/uploads/2025/08/imago1065188388-1-68a0d048f385a027555768.jpg "Back four or back five for Frank? Predicted Spurs lineup vs. - Sports Mole")
Tottenham Hotspur could be without up to eight players for Saturday lunchtimeâs Premier League clash with Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
James Maddison, who scored twice for Spurs in a 4-0 win at the Etihad last season, is ruled out with a long-term ACL injury and is joined on the sidelines by Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski, Bryan Gil (both knee), Manor Solomon (calf) and Kota Takai (foot).
Yves Bissouma (unspecified) and Destiny Udogie (knee) both missed the 3-0 opening win over Burnley last weekend due to injury, but both players could be fit to return to the matchday squad on Saturday and will be assessed ahead of kickoff.
New head coach Thomas Frank started with a back four against Burnley, but he may be tempted to switch to a five-man defence against Man City, including Pedro Porro and Djed Spence as wing-backs. Kevin Danso, meanwhile, could be recalled to partner captain Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven at centre-back, protecting goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Rodrigo Bentancur will hope to return to the starting lineup in centre-midfield to play alongside summer signing Joao Palhinha, while Pape Sarr could operate in an advanced role alongside new recruit Mohammed Kudus.
Kudus provided two assists on his debut against Burnley for Richarlison, who should continue to lead the line despite the return to fitness of fellow striker Dominic Solanke, while Brennan Johnson is another attacking option who also netted against Burnley, but he could be one sacrificed if Frank switches to a back five.
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Sarr, Kudus; Richarlison
> Click here to see how Manchester City could line up for this contest
No Data Analysis info