Tottenham Hotspur are set for a heated London derby clash with West Ham this weekend, and all eyes will be on new signing Xavi Simons as he looks to make his first start under Thomas Frank. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face West Ham United.
Tottenham Hotspur would be looking to get the better of their London rivals at the London Stadium when the two lock horns in matchweek three.
For Thomas Frank and several other new arrivals, this will be their first taste of the fixture, with many more heated derbies certain to follow over the course of the campaign.
Frank will be hoping to secure three points against the Hammers, especially with his first Champions League fixture with Tottenham looming the following week. Let us now see how Thomas Frank could line up this weekend.
Tottenham vs West Ham predicted xi as Xavi Simons makes debut
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The Italian has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers, keeping two clean sheets in their opening three games while also making the most saves of any goalkeeper in the division, so he should continue in goal.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: Underlying numbers have revealed that Porro has been dribbled past more than any other player so far, highlighting a need for improvement, but he is still expected to keep his place on the right.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: The Argentine returned early from international duty after missing Argentina’s second fixture during the break due to suspension, and he should be fully ready to feature against West Ham.
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Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: Rotation could be on the cards with the Champions League returning on Tuesday, but van de Ven could still start in this derby clash.
Left-back – Djed Spence: Fresh from his England debut, Spence could be thrown straight back into the line-up at the weekend despite Destiny Udogie returning to fitness.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: A major addition for Tottenham, Palhinha is no stranger to Premier League battles, but this will be his first London derby in a Spurs shirt, and he is likely to start.
Pivot midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: Frank has shown his faith in the Uruguayan in two of the opening three league fixtures, and Bentancur could continue in the pivot role once more this weekend.
Centre-midfielder – Xavi Simons: A first start looks to be on the cards for Simons, who joined Spurs two weeks ago. The 22-year-old featured during the international break for the Netherlands and returned injury-free, giving him the match sharpness needed to make his debut.
Right midfielder – Mohammed Kudus: The Ghana international is set to line up against his former club for the first time since leaving West Ham. Kudus has featured in all three league games for Tottenham so far and is expected to continue.
Striker – Richarlison: The Brazilian did not register a goal contribution in Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat last time out, but with Randal Kolo Muani still awaiting his debut and Dominic Solanke building fitness, Richarlison looks set to lead the line once again.