Tottenham return to the Champions League on Tuesday night as Villarreal make the trip to north London for their opening group game.
Thomas Frank’s men head in with confidence after a 3-0 win at West Ham, continuing a strong start that has seen them collect three victories from four Premier League matches.
New arrivals are starting to make their mark, while a defence that has already banked three clean sheets looks a clear strength.
Villarreal slipped to a 2-0 defeat against Atletico Madrid at the weekend, though earlier wins over Oviedo and Girona showed their ability to trouble weaker opposition.
It is only three years since they reached the Champions League semi-finals, but consistency has been harder to find since then.
This is the first competitive clash between the clubs, and Thomas Partey’s return to the capital adds extra spice. The former Arsenal midfielder is unlikely to get a warm reception if he plays.
The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will expect another big European night, and Frank will be keen to show his side belongs at this level.
Tottenham team news
Thomas Frank is still waiting on Dominic Solanke, who has been nursing an ankle injury and may only make the bench.
James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, and Yves Bissouma are out, while Mathys Tel is ineligible after being left off the squad list.
Even so, Spurs looked comfortable without them in Saturday’s win over West Ham.
Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall both found the net, and Cristian Romero’s return at the back has strengthened the defence.
Richarlison or new signing Randal Kolo Muani will likely spearhead the attack, with Xavi Simons expected to stay on the left after making an instant impact on his debut.
Tottenham expected line-up
(4-3-3) Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons
Villarreal team news
Marcelino is without long-term absentees Willy Kambwala, Pau Cabanes, and Logan Costa, while Gerard Moreno’s hamstring problem makes him a serious doubt.
Ayoze Perez is also struggling and could miss out.
That places more responsibility on Nicolas Pepe, who has started the season in strong form and was recently named La Liga’s Player of the Month.
His direct running will be key if Moreno is unavailable.
Former Spurs defender Juan Foyth should line up at the back, and summer signing Georges Mikautadze is pushing to establish himself up front.
Villarreal expected line-up
(4-4-2) Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Pepe, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Perez, Mikautadze
How to watch and listen
Tottenham vs Villarreal will be shown live in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting from 7pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off.
BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live commentary for UK listeners.
Tottenham vs Villarreal stats
– This is the first meeting between Tottenham and Villarreal in European competition.
– Spurs have won just one of their last 13 games against Spanish opposition in Europe.
– Villarreal have never beaten an English club in the Champions League, drawing six and losing eight.
– Tottenham have won their last two Champions League openers at home, against Marseille and Dortmund.
– Villarreal’s last Champions League match was a semi-final loss to Liverpool in 2022.
– Juan Foyth made his Champions League debut for Spurs in 2017 and now faces them with Villarreal.
Tottenham vs Villarreal predictions
Tottenham return to the Champions League in good shape, but this is the first real test for Thomas Frank on the European stage.
Three victories and three clean sheets in the league underline Spurs’ progress. The defence looks stronger and new signings such as Xavi Simons and Randal Kolo Muani are beginning to bed in.
Villarreal’s domestic form has been mixed, but Nicolas Pepe has started superbly. Two goals, an assist, and a Player of the Month award make him the standout threat.
Both teams have enough in attack to trouble each other. Spurs should create plenty at home, but Villarreal’s front line is lively and difficult to contain.
Pepe’s numbers also catch the eye. He is averaging three shots per game in La Liga, and with Gerard Moreno doubtful, he is likely to be the main outlet again.
Spurs are favourites, but they are missing depth, and this is a big step up for Frank’s side. Villarreal have enough experience to make it awkward and could pinch a result.