Here is how Tottenham could lineup (predicted) against Nottingham Forest at home.
Tottenham Hotspur are back in action on Sunday afternoon when they play host to relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Igor Tudor claimed his first win as Spurs’ interim boss in midweek as his side beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 at home in the second leg of the last-16 tie, although the Spanish side prevailed to the next round courtesy of a 5-7 aggregate scoreline. That brought an end to the Lilywhites’ Champions League campaign, but Tudor already had one eye on this big domestic fixture.
Tottenham head into this contest with their 17th-placed opponents sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone. They entertain Nottingham Forest, who are just behind Spurs and head to North London on the back of clinching a Europa League quarter-final berth by overcoming Danish side FC Midtjylland.
With that in mind, let us take a look at Tottenham Hotspur’s predicted lineup to play Nottingham Forest.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario made a couple of vital saves to help Tottenham beat Atletico Madrid in the return leg on Wednesday evening. He will be raring to produce big moments in goal when required on Sunday.
Defence: Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven
Micky van de Ven is available again after serving his one-game domestic ban. He will be a part of the three-man backline alongside Cristian Romero and Kevin Danso that started against Atletico Madrid in midweek.
The trio have to be compact and disciplined, and must step up to defend and go man-to-man when required. They must try to nullify the threat of Igor Jesus in and around the final third, while making their presence felt in the opposition’s box.
Midfield: Pedro Porro, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr, Djed Spence
Pedro Porro and Djed Spence should act as the wing-backs, hoping to make an impact in both halves. They have to try to pin Forest’s wingers back for large periods of the game. However, when it comes to defending, Porro and Spence must do their jobs and help Tottenham keep a clean sheet.
In midfield, there is no looking past the partnership of Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr. The young duo have repaid their gaffer’s faith with strong displays in the last couple of games. Gray and Sarr must try to take control of the game as early as possible and create opportunities for the forwards in the final third.
Conor Gallagher is set to be an option on the bench again. Joao Palhinha, who has missed the last two matches due to serving concussion protocols after a clash of heads with Romero against Atletico in Madrid, is expected to return to the squad for this fixture.
Attack: Mathys Tel, Richarlison, Xavi Simons
Richarlison is available again after serving a ban in the Champions League, so he should be fresh and fit to spearhead the Tottenham attack against Forest. Mathys Tel may get the nod ahead of Randal Kolo Muani to partner Richarlison up top after his impressive outing in the 3-2 win over Atletico.