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Paul Merson says Enzo Maresca ‘must start’ Pedro Neto for Chelsea’s visit to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and is ‘almost certain’ Estevao Willian will occupy the other wing.

Chelsea will be looking to bounce back against their London rivals following a shocking 2-1 home loss to Sunderland last weekend, which saw the Blues suffer defeat for the third time in their last five Premier League games.

While the Stamford Bridge side secured a 4-3 win over Wolves in the Carabao Cup midweek, it came at a cost – they lost striker Liam Delap to a one-game suspension after the forward was sent off for two yellow cards in the second half.

Chelsea had four different scorers aged 21 or under in their seven-goal cup thriller, and Merson expects at least one to retain his starting spot when the Blues visit Spurs on Saturday afternoon.

Merson: Chelsea Must Start Neto and Estevao

Merson, writing for Sportskeeda, predicted Maresca will select his two wingers on Saturday based on who can track back and do the defensive work against Tottenham’s attacking full-backs:

“Chelsea must start with Pedro Neto in this game. It's a big pitch at Tottenham and he's quick as anything. I'm almost certain Estevao will also start the game.

“Both wingers must track back though. Spurs have full-backs who love to go forward, so if the Chelsea wingers do not help out in defence, their team will get overrun.

“I expect Enzo Maresca to make his team selection based on who he trusts more to do the defensive work down the flanks, otherwise Chelsea are in trouble.”

Neto, along with Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez, have been Chelsea’s three main sources of creativity this Premier League season, with the Portuguese international registering two goals and two assists in nine appearances.

Neto, who earns £200,000 per week, is one of only three Chelsea players to have started every top-flight game this campaign, along with Fernandez and Robert Sanchez, and has registered three goal involvements in his last two outings.

Estevao, who pockets £75,000 a week, has only started for the Blues on four occasions this campaign, scoring once, with his last league appearance in the first XI coming in their 3-1 loss to Brighton last month.

Maresca opted for the duo of Neto and Jamie Gittens on the flanks in the last three Premier League games, with the England international yet to register a goal contribution.

Everton are considering a stunning swoop for Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison in the January transfer window, according to TEAMtalk.

The Merseysiders are reportedly exploring the signing of a new striker at the turn of the year, with Beto and summer arrival Thierno Barry struggling to fire up front this season.

The duo have scored just one Premier League goal between them and Everton are considering dipping into the market in January for reinforcements to their attacking options.

The Toffees are claimed to be keeping a very close eye on Richarlison’s situation at Tottenham, with the Brazilian said to be ‘very open’ to a return to the club he spent four years at from 2018 to 2022.

Spurs could be 'open to the idea' of letting Richarlison depart mid-season if they manage to sign a new striker of their own in January.

Richarlison Open to Everton Return

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are ready to back David Moyes in January to boost the club’s chances of climbing up the Premier League table this season.

After starting the season promisingly, the Toffees find themselves 14th after back-to-back defeats to Manchester City and Tottenham.

The Merseyside outfit are claimed to be considering adding to their options up front amid a difficult start to the season for both Beto and Barry but have not yet decided on pursuing Richarlison.

The striker’s future will depend on whether Tottenham are able to sign a new forward in January, with Crystal Palace ace Jean-Philippe Mateta reportedly under consideration.

After netting a brace in Tottenham’s season-opening 3-0 win over Burnley, Richarlison has only scored once for the North London side since – in their 2-2 draw with Brighton last month.

The Brazilian forward registered an assist against Everton in Spurs’ 3-0 win last weekend, coming off the bench for the final 30 minutes.

Thomas Frank has trusted both Mathys Tel and loan signing Randal Kolo Muani up front in recent weeks, with Richarlison’s last Premier League start coming on September 27 in the 1-1 draw with Wolves.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Richarlison has scored 23 goals in 105 appearances for Tottenham.

The ‘outstanding’ Brazilian forward is likely to find himself further down the pecking order once Dominic Solanke returns from his lengthy injury layoff.

The England international has made just three appearances for Spurs this term, amounting to 49 minutes, and remains out with an ankle injury.

Enzo Maresca was not happy with Liam Delap on Wednesday night.

Only just back from injury for Chelsea's Carabao Cup fourth round clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers, the striker will now miss another Premier League match after being sent off at Molineux.

The 22-year-old had missed ten matches in all competitions due to a hamstring injury and will now miss the Premier League clash with fierce London rivals Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.

Maresca said after the game: "After the yellow card, I told him four or five times, keep calm. But Liam is a player inside the pitch, playing the game for himself and he struggles to listen to things around him.

"Very stupid red card that was completely unnecessary. Absolutely deserved. It was a stupid foul. We can avoid that. I completely support the red card."

Disciplinary problems

Chelsea have the worst disciplinary record, not only in the English top flight, but across Europe's top five divisions. Delap's sending off was the Blues' fifth of the season in all competitions, with only Spanish side Girona suffering as many red cards.

Chelsea take on Spurs at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the game live on Sky Sports at 5.30pm. It is the big game of the weekend, with the two teams expecting to be jostling for Champions League positions come the end of the season.

Without Delap, Maresca is likely to have to call upon Marc Guiu again in the striker role, unless he goes with Joao Pedro as the central striker, although he has hinted already that he does not see the Brazilian playing there.

"Joao Pedro is not a number nine that is going to score 20 goals each year. Joao's a fantastic player, he's going to score and give assists but he's a different kind of nine to ones that score 20 to 25 goals each year like [Robert] Lewandowski, [Kylian] Mbappe or [Erling] Haaland."

Injury problems

Delap is added to a list of players Maresca cannot call upon for the derby with Spurs, and while it will be frustrating not to have him available, after just getting him back, there are two, perhaps bigger problems for the clash.

Chelsea's injury list boasts key names like Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile already and two of those names are perhaps bigger misses than Delap would be.

Palmer is a hugely influential figure for the Blues, while Colwill is also an integral part of the defence when he is available. Not only that, but both have a perfect record when playing against Tottenham.

Palmer has been involved in all four games against Spurs in the past two seasons, with a 100% record from those matches, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

Colwill missed one of those four through injury, but also has a 100% record as a Chelsea player against Tottenham. He did, however, lose to Spurs while he was on loan at Brighton - a 2-1 defeat in 2023.

For many people, becoming a professional footballer is their dream. Although many have pursued that fantasy, only a select few will ever make it to the top — be it the Premier League or another top European division.

Alfie Whiteman was, to many, one of the lucky ones. The north London-born goalkeeper joined Tottenham Hotspur's academy at just 10 years old, going on to represent the club's youth teams. And when he signed a three-year senior contract in 2019, he might have assumed that it would be the first step in a long and prosperous football career.

But earlier this year, the goalkeeper decided to quit the sport at just 26-years-old following the expiry of his contract at Spurs to pursue a career in photography and film.

Although many footballers have gone on to pursue unusual jobs after their careers, it seemed strange to quit when in your peak years as a player. But while others might have been shocked, it was a decision that had been years in the making for Whiteman.

The signs were certainly promising for the goalkeeper when he was a youngster. At the time, he was featuring for both Spurs and England's youth teams, picking up appearances for both the under-17 and under-19 international sides.

But while he was living out most people's dream, Whiteman wasn't fulfilled by his pursuits. Speaking to The Athletic, he said: "I left school at 16 and went straight into this full-time life of football.

"When I was around 17 or 18, living in digs, I just had this feeling inside of, ‘Is this it?’ Getting on the mini bus, going to training, doing the Sports Science BTEC and going home to play video games. I realised, ‘Oh, I’m not happy here’ from quite a young age."

It was at that time when Whiteman began exploring his other passions. He took acting classes when he wasn't training and also hosted his monthly radio show, 'Sweet Tooth'. But it was photography that really hooked him in.

His ex-girlfriend's best friend was a director. They allowed him to connect with other leaders in the creative industry, including directors and photographers, while the Tottenham star also assisted as a runner on sets, in an attempt to set himself up for life after football.

"It just started opening my eyes to what life has to offer."

Quitting the Game

Whiteman's football career was still progressing, though. He made his professional debut in 2020, coming on as a substitute against Ludogrets Razgrad in the Europa League, and then went on to earn regular minutes on loan at Swedish side Degerfors for two years.

It even seemed like a future at Spurs was not out of the question, as he put pen to paper on a two-year extension in February 2023. But, after he suffered an ankle injury in Singapore and spent most of the 2023/24 season rehabbing, he started to think about his long-term future.

"During that rehab, I worked so hard every day to try to get back," he said. "I eventually did, but even then, it was just to be sat in the stands. It was so hard applying myself and really trying and then just not getting the games.

"Tottenham have an incredible training ground with incredible facilities, and I was working with the best players. But it wasn’t fulfilling. I want to be in a high-pressure game, or feel progress. When you’re not playing, it’s very difficult to do. It’s even worse, it’s more like you’re regressing."

Check Out Alfie Whiteman's Career Path Below

The club then refused to sanction a loan move in 2024/25, as they needed Whiteman as a club-trained player for their Europa League campaign. Although he collected a winners' medal, after Tottenham beat Manchester United in the final, he left the club after his contract expired.

Continuing in football was an option — the then 26-year-old went on trial at two clubs over the summer. But the goalkeeper decided to follow a new path, considering that he would no longer be playing at the top level.

"There was a weekend when I went home, and I started contemplating all my options. I had other things I’ve been building on the side and it was more exciting to me. To put it plainly, I saw happiness in these other avenues.

"It got to this point where I’d rather end this on my terms than go to a club that I just didn’t want to go to. When I was younger, I always said I didn’t want to play in the lower leagues; it was always about the highest level. Otherwise, I’d rather do something else."

Whiteman Thriving as a Photographer

Now pursuing photography and film full-time, it's safe to say his career's gone pretty well so far since retiring. He was on set with photographer Harley Weir and rapper Central Cee for a shoot with Nike and has shot for brands On and Paloma Wool. He's also got a solo exhibition coming up, which he pieced together while on loan at Degerfors, and helped shoot a feature documentary in Norway and Ukraine.

Signed to production company Somesuch and helping out with their photography, Whiteman's got big aspirations for the future: "I’ve got project ideas for photo stuff and short film ideas. The plan is to do some short films, and then hopefully one day a feature-length. But there are no real strict steps. You can decide.

"I just want to be on set and work with some of the most talented cinematographers, directors of photography, producers and meet new people. There’s just so much to learn."

Tottenham Hotspur are one of the sides showing an interest in signing former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay ahead of the January transfer window, according to a report from TEAMtalk, and it could be the exact type of signing they need.

McTominay made the move to Serie A side Napoli recently, and the Scottish international has flourished in Italy after leaving the Premier League. McTominay was going through a tricky spell with United, struggling to become a guaranteed starter, but everything has changed since his move to Serie A.

The 28-year-old has been playing a more advanced role over the last few years, arriving in the box to score regularly for Napoli, something that we saw in spells during his time at United. McTominay is enjoying an impressive period in Italy, and was even nominated for the Ballon d'Or this year.

Tottenham Eyeing Move to Sign Scott McTominay

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are one of the sides showing an interest in signing Napoli midfielder McTominay ahead of the January transfer window. It's claimed that a move in the winter is unlikely, and the midfielder, described as 'sensational' by TEAMtalk, has been a key member of Antonio Conte's squad, so they likely want to keep him for as long as possible.

The signing of McTominay could really suit Thomas Frank's system, with the Danish manager playing a high-intensity game. McTominay is a keen presser and a box-to-box midfielder, and his experience could be vital with Tottenham having such a young set of players.

McTominay could play in an attacking midfield role for Spurs, or potentially slightly deeper, so his versatility could make him a useful option. A January move appears to be unlikely, but Tottenham should be looking to make a move in the summer if he's keen on a return to the Premier League.

Frank could be perfect for McTominay to reestablish himself in the Premier League, but there does feel like little reason for him to make the move away from Serie A considering his form of late. At the age of 28, Spurs will have to be careful not to spend too much on a player approaching the latter stages of his career, which could be a problem as Napoli won't want to lose him.

Dimitar Berbatov

Dimitar Berbatov was a Premier League cult hero, impressing at Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Fulham during his time in England. Known for his silky style and immaculate first touch, the Bulgarian retired in 2019 but is still a presence in football, occasionally popping up to give his thoughts on the current era.

Having also spent time at Bayer Leverkusen before making the switch to English football, it should be no surprise that Berbatov has been keeping a careful eye on Florian Wirtz, who also played for the German outfit. The young midfielder completed a £116 million transfer to Liverpool in the summer, but has failed to hit the ground running.

Despite this, Berbatov has insisted that the 22-year-old will come good. What's more, he even compared Wirtz to iconic former Spurs teammate Luka Modric.

Berbatov Asks For Patience With Florian Wirtz at Liverpool

Berbatov was speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast when Wirtz came up as a discussion point. The German has yet to score the Liverpool, and has not registered a single goal contribution in nine Premier League outings so far. Amid his poor form, there are concerns about how suitable he is for Arne Slot's side.

Brushing aside any fears over the player's quality, Berbatov said: "I love him. He’s a fantastic player. He will be unbelievable, trust me. Hopefully, he will be patient. Hopefully, he’ll have good people around him, agent, family, whatever. Hopefully, the coach sees his quality like everybody sees him. I’m sure that everybody sees his quality, and they’ll give him that time that he needs to fit into the team. And I guarantee you, he’s going to be a success."

Berbatov played with many great players across his career, but Modric would have been among the very best of them. They shared the pitch together just once, actually, as the striker left for Man Utd the same summer the Croatian arrived at Tottenham. Even so, the 2018 Ballon d'Or winner left a big impression.

It will comfort Liverpool fans, then, to learn that Berbatov believes Wirtz can be the Premier League's next Modric. He explained how his technical ability can make up for any perceived physical weakness:

"The way he sees football, how he looks for the space, how he knows how to position himself, the touches on the ball, the improvisation, the eye for the pass and for the goals. Of course, someone can argue that his physique is not that great for the Premier League. But then you can easily see the great players of his position, like Modric, also the same build. Modric. F***ing monster. It’s unbelievable. So give him time. I think he’s going to be unbelievable for Liverpool."

Berbatov went on to compare his struggles with Wirtz’s current form at Liverpool. He spoke about his early periods at Leverkusen and Spurs, as he too needed time to adapt to these new environments:

"The same process was happening when I went to Leverkusen. In the beginning, it didn’t work out quite well. I needed to be patient. In Spurs, again, new environment, again, new people, new language, new everything. Again, the things were taking slowly to happen for me. I was thinking, maybe I need to go back.

"But when I was thinking like this, then my other, not personality, but my other me, was telling me 'No, no, no, no. You see what happened in Leverkusen. Just be patient. Keep working. You have the quality. You deserve to be here. You wanted something to change. Now you’re here. Now be stubborn. Be patient. Keep working. Not sitting. It’s not going to fall like this on your lap. Work smart or hard. Try to know when, which when, and work. And it will happen'. You basically want to go to your safe place, your safe environment. But you need to have that motivation and that ambition in you as well to overcome the fear. So my ambition was bigger than my fear."

If Wirtz can settle in England, he certainly has the potential to be as good as or perhaps even better than both Berbatov and Modric. However, it feels as though we are some way from seeing that just yet.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Thomas Frank needs to prioritise raiding Premier League rivals Crystal Palace in 2026 as Richarlison's performance in the midweek Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle United highlighted how badly they need to lure Jean-Philippe Mateta to Hotspur Way.

Spurs splashed the cash during a summer of change, with Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons bringing added creativity to north London after Europa League-winning Ange Postecoglou had been removed from the dugout, and they have enjoyed a productive start to their European campaign at the same time as flying high domestically.

But it has already become abundantly clear in the early months of Frank's reign that he needs to secure a prolific goalscorer if he wants to take this Tottenham side to the next level and add to the trophy cabinet. Mateta, who has been in scintillating form for Crystal Palace, would be a perfect addition to the squad.

Spurs are Keeping Tabs on Mateta Contract Situation

Tottenham are keeping tabs on Mateta's situation at Crystal Palace, according to Football Insider, and they may have an opportunity to pounce if he shows a reluctance to signing a new contract. Should that prove to be the case, Frank needs to take advantage and hand him an exit route out of Selhurst Park.

The two-cap France international grabbed his seventh goal of the season as his current employers overcame Liverpool to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup, while he also bagged a hat-trick in a stalemate with Bournemouth earlier this month, emphasising that he is in the form of his life.

Although Crystal Palace kept their hopes of winning silverware alive, Tottenham were knocked out of the competition by Newcastle. Richarlison was not at his best, appeared to lack sharpness and did not profit when Lucas Bergvall put a glorious pass across the face of goal in the first half. There is absolutely no doubt that Mateta would be an immediate upgrade.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Jean-Philippe Mateta has been averaging a goal every 157 minutes in the Premier League this season

The striker is on course to enter the final 18 months of his deal at the turn of the year and, if he gives indications that he is not prepared to extend his stay, Spurs need to ensure they are at the front of the queue. The north Londoners would also be in a strong position to hand him a significant increase on his current salary of £50,000-per-week before bonuses.

Mateta would thrive off the service from Kudus and Simons, along with creative midfielder James Maddison when he returns from his long-term injury, and he would surely be interested in making the switch if the opportunity to compete in the Champions League is on offer.

North Londoners Need to be Ruthless in Mateta Push

Tottenham are long-term admirers of Mateta, having also made a £40million enquiry when the transfer window was still open for business during the summer, and they need to make sure they get the deal over the line instead of having a repeat of the situation which saw his former teammate Eberechi Eze head to arch-rivals Arsenal.

Considering the 28-year-old FA Cup winner's form in the final third of the pitch, Spurs should expect serious competition for an agreement if they choose to up the ante by entering discussions. As a result, they will have to be smart and make sure they cannot be gazumped in the race for his signature.

Missing out on capturing Eze was a painful experience for Tottenham supporters, mainly because of who he ended up joining. It highlighted that they need to be more ruthless in the transfer market. Of course, then-executive chairman Daniel Levy would not be leading negotiations on this occasion, but they need to have Mateta at the top of their priorities list.

Tottenham Hotspur fans cheered as Thomas Frank brought off Brennan Johnson, with journalist the Evening Standard reporting that there were 'ironic cheers' coming from the away end at Newcastle United.

Johnson hasn't been a guaranteed starter under Frank this season, but he has started both of their last two games, against Everton and Newcastle. The former Nottingham Forest forward hasn't set the world alight this term, and the Tottenham supporters are clearly growing increasingly frustrated with his performances.

Johnson has started four games in the Premier League so far this season, scoring twice. Spurs suffered a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle at St James' Park on Wednesday evening in the Carabao Cup, with Johnson lining up on the right-hand side of attack before he was substituted after around 65 minutes.

Tottenham Fans Ironically Cheer Johnson Sub

According to the Evening Standard, Tottenham fans ironically cheered the decision to bring Johnson off against Newcastle. The Welsh international winger was described as 'wasteful' on the night, and the Spurs supporters appeared happy to see him substituted.

"Too often he is hesitant when in good positions. Inconsistent with his final ball - some were dangerous, most wasteful. Ironic cheers from the away end when he went off."

The ironic cheers from the Tottenham away end might be slightly harsh, and it's not going to be a nice feeling for Johnson to hear that from his own supporters. Johnson hasn't hit the ground running this season, but he proved his worth last season under Ange Postecoglou.

During the 2024/2025 campaign, The Welsh forward provided 14 goals and assists combined in 24 starts in the Premier League, but we're yet to see this kind of production from him this term. It's not fully clicking for Tottenham in the final third, despite some impressive results, and Johnson is suffering due to that.

Tottenham return to Premier League action on Saturday, hosting London rivals Chelsea at home. Spurs then host Copenhagen in the Champions League, before a game against Manchester United followed by the first north London derby against Arsenal.

It's a tricky run of fixtures for Frank's side, with a trip to Paris Saint-Germain still to come at the end of November, and it will be interesting to see how involved Johnson is after his recent performances.

Tottenham Hotspur attacking midfielder Xavi Simons has endured a difficult start to the campaign, and Fabrizio Romano, writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, has confirmed that he needs some time to fully adapt, and Spurs have no doubts about him as it stands.

Simons made the move to the Premier League in the summer transfer window, joining Spurs for a fee of £52m from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. It's been a tricky few months for Simons, who is yet to hit the heights many Spurs fans would have expected after seeing him thrive in Germany.

Simons has contributed just one assist in all competitions since joining Tottenham this season, but he's certainly not the first player to take time to adapt to a new league. In the Bundesliga last term, Simons provided 16 goals and assists combined in just 25 starts, so there's no doubt he's capable of being a creative and goalscoring threat in Thomas Frank's side.

Fabrizio Romano: How Tottenham Feel About Xavi Simons

Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano has confirmed that Simons needs some time, as he's a young player joining a new league. The respected reporter adds that Tottenham have no doubts and Simons and what he's capable of, and it's just a matter of time before he starts to flourish in the Premier League.

"He needs some time, it's seen as normal adaptation for a young boy. Spurs have no doubts about Xavi and his skills, it's just a matter of time."

It's no surprise that Tottenham are willing to remain patient with Simons, as his talent has been clear for everyone to see from his time in the Bundesliga. Alongside needing to adapt to a new country, league, and style of football, Simons is only 22 years old, meaning he's still vastly inexperienced in the world of football.

The Spurs squad are also getting used to how Frank wants them to play, so Simons hasn't arrived in a squad that has fully clicked just yet. It's going to take time for Simons to reach the level expected of him, but he's got plenty of time to fulfil his potential with the north London club, who are likely to continue remaining patient with him, especially so soon into his Spurs career.

Newcastle and Tottenham will go head-to-head in the Carabao Cup fourth round at St James' Park on Wednesday night, with both sides looking to build on their good form.

Eddie Howe's side claimed a comfortable 2-1 win over Fulham in the Premier League at the weekend despite a disappointing performance overall, while Thomas Frank's team earned a dominant 3-0 win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday evening.

Both sides will come into the game with some injury concerns, and this is how GIVEMESPORT expects the teams to line up.

Newcastle Team News

The Magpies are still waiting to give summer signing Yoanne Wissa his debut, and he will be missing once again as he looks to recover from a knee injury. Harrison Ashby continues to be a long-term absentee with a thigh injury, but there is some more positive news on other injured stars.

Tino Livramento is looking to return following the international break from a knee injury, while Lewis Hall could return at the weekend. Sven Botman does not have concussion and could be available to return against Spurs, despite missing training.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Howe shares an update on his squad ahead of the game.

"Sven [Botman] has no concussion - it was a cut, a bad cut (against Fulham), which he had stapled together. He didn’t train yesterday, but we will see how he is today.

"Lewis [Hall] is the closest to coming back out of those injured, but this game will come too quickly for him.

"Tino [Livramento] is still on track. We are looking at the Manchester City game for him for when he can be available for."

Newcastle Predicted XI

Newcastle Predicted XI: Ramsdale; Trippier, Thiaw, Schar, Burn; Tonali, B. Guimaraes, Willock; Elanga, Osula, Ramsey.

Newcastle Predicted Substitutes: Pope (GK), Krafth (DEF), Botman (DEF), Joelinton (MID), Miley (MID), Gordon (FWD), J. Murphy (FWD), Woltemade (FWD), Barnes (FWD).

Newcastle are likely to make some changes to the side, but their squad is strong enough that the likes of Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga and Jacob Ramsey could all be handed rare starts alongside Aaron Ramsdale.

That could see the likes of Joelinton, Nick Woltemade and Anthony Gordon, who earn a combined £522,000-a-week, named on the bench.

Tottenham Team News

Tottenham boss Frank has confirmed that all of Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie have taken steps forward from their injury issues, but none are expected to be available for Wednesday's clash.

Yves Bissouma, Ben Davies, Radu Dragusin, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Koto Takai remain sidelined also.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Frank shared an update on his squad ahead of the game.

"It's all good from the guys who played on Sunday. Dominic [Solanke] - steps forward, it's step by step. Cuti [Romero] is on the pitch, no timeframe, but on the pitch. Destiny [Udogie] is on the pitch as well, so, three steps forward."

Tottenham Predicted XI

Tottenham Predicted XI: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Gray, Spence; Palhinha, Sarr; Johnson, Simons, Odobert; Kolo Muani.

Tottenham Predicted Substitutes: Vicario (GK), Van de Ven (DEF), Byfield (DEF), Bergvall (MID), Bentancur (MID), Kudus (FWD), Richarlison (FWD), Scarlett (FWD), Tel (FWD).

With a number of injury issues to contend with, Frank is likely to rotate to give some fringe players minutes and also keep things fresh. That should see Antonin Kinsky, Archie Gray, Pape Matar Sarr and Randal Kolo Muani handed starts.