Football London

Here are our Tottenham player ratings from the Hill Dickinson Stadium as rampant Spurs inflicted Everton's first-ever home defeat at their new ground

There is just something about playing away from home that brings the best from Tottenham in the Premier League.

In fact, no top-flight side has claimed more points on the road (13) than Spurs this season and they are the only team that are yet to taste defeat.

This excellent spirited team display, which inflicted Everton to their first-ever competitive defeat at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, was the perfect combination of attacking efficiency and defensive solidity.

Furthermore, it was also the perfect response to the midweek Champions League scare in Monaco when Spurs faced an astonishing 23 shots on their goal. They were ahead on 19 minutes when Mohammed Kudus sent a corner swirling towards the back post.

Rodrigo Bentancur got his head on it, nodding it back across the face of goal for Micky van de Ven to turn in. However, it would get even better for Tottenham before half-time as their set-piece delight continued.

Pedro Porro's curling corner was glanced home by Spurs' stand-in captain for his second of the afternoon, meaning since the start of last season, only Arsenal have scored more Premier League goals from corners than Tottenham (15).

Thomas Frank's side undoubtedly had to dig deep during the second half as they weathered an Everton barrage in testing conditions.

Guglielmo Vicario made two excellent stops but the defence and midfield must also take a collective share of the praise for this priceless away victory which also marked the team's second consecutive clean sheet.

But Spurs got their rewards for their resilience when substitutes Richarlison and Pape Matar Sarr combined for the third on 88 minutes.

Here's how the Tottenham players rated on Merseyside.

Guglielmo Vicario

Stunning save to deny Beto in the second half. The Italian beat the ball away with his forearm after the Everton striker tried an acrobatic effort. Then made another brilliant save to keep out Iliman Ndiaye's deflected shot. 8

Pedro Porro

Brave block to deny Jack Grealish the opener inside the first few minutes. Also left a strong first-half challenge on the Man City loanee. Assisted the second and was solid throughout. 7

Kevin Danso

Solid afternoon from the Austrian. Marking Beto is never an easy task, even if his goalscoring record is questionable but the former Lens man relished the physical battle. Won all six of his duels. 8

Micky van de Ven

Headed home twice from corners during the first half. Defended bravely as you would also expect. Did nearly turn a cross into his own net before half-time but put his body on the line and was otherwise monstrous. 9

Djed Spence

Iliman Ndiaye made it clear inside the opening minutes he didn't fancy entering Spence's penitentiary. Was a good battle between the two but Ndiaye did cause Spence problems with his slick footwork. 6

Joao Palhinha

For all the talk Palhinha can't play with Bentancur, the pair bossed Everton's midfield. The Portuguese maestro turned in a gritty, steely display and made a number of key tackles, blocks and interceptions. Arguably his best in a Spurs shirt. 8

Rodrigo Bentancur

Teed up the opening goal then flashed a volley narrowly wide of the mark. The heartbeat of this Spurs win. Lucky not to be booked for chopping down Jack Grealish but his energy, technical quality and legs were key to this victory. 8

Mohammed Kudus

Very sharp. Played in a central role and did not disappoint. Was up for the challenge, drove with the ball and looked dangerous. Kind of display that justifies his price-tag. 8

Xavi Simons

Played a horrible square pass across Tottenham's backline that was intercepted. Luckily didn't amount to anything. Also picked up a knock and fluffed a promising first-half counter. Grew into the game before being subbed on the hour. 6

Brennan Johnson

Made some smart, unsung choices in the first half in terms of relieving pressure. Dribbled to the byline and got a few crosses into the box. Remains somewhat underused but this was a step in the right direction. 6

Randal Kolo Muani

Looked very assured at the tip of Tottenham's attack. Produced some nice holdup play and flicks. Very encouraging display and the fact he was disappointed to be subbed off just underlined how much he enjoyed it. 7

Subs

Richarlison

Almost made an instant impact but his powerful strike was saved by Jordan Pickford. Teed up Pape Matar Sarr for the third. 8

Lucas Bergvall

Made one crucial interception and did some ugly midfield work after replacing Xavi Simons. Some lovely composed touches under pressure. 7

Pape Matar Sarr

Muted celebration but well deserved goal just moments from time. Had a rough spell out of the team but remains an important player for Frank. Things should get better for him from here. 9

Mathys Tel

The Premier League have explained why Everton were denied an equaliser against Tottenham before the visitors doubled their lead

Tottenham were bailed out by VAR after Everton's equaliser from Jake O'Brien was ruled out for an offside on Iliman Ndiaye. The Everton attacker appeared to impact Spurs goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with Craig Pawson recommended to review the decision at the pitchside monitor.

The official deemed that both Ndiaye and Jack Grealish were in an offside position and promptly disallowed the goal with the decision later clarified.

A statement posted to X from the Premier League Match Centre read: "#EVETOT – 24’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of goal to Everton.

"Referee announcement: After review, Everton 10 and 18 were in an offside position, interfering with the goalkeeper. The final decision is an in-direct free kick in the six yard box."

Micky van de Ven had given Spurs the lead earlier in the half and bagged a second from another corner just before half-time.

The Toffees started the game better with Grealish going close after just a few minutes with James Garner also seeing a long-range effort go narrowly wide. Bentancur had a similar effort flash past the post in between Van de Ven's goals.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has faced some criticism over the last week after two disappointing attacking performances with his decision to continue playing Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, that continued on Sunday, also questionable.

During his pre-Everton press conference, he responded to the suggestion Spurs have been predictable in possession. "I think probably the team," he admitted.

"I think it's always team effort, how we construct a team or how. In the end, it's my final decision, of course. It's a collective effort in terms of how we want to build up or how we want to create chances. I think both of them are more than capable of helping the team.

"And I think it's one thing that is part of the game. The other part is, of course, how can we make sure we are strong and solid enough if we are in a spell where we may be.

"The team is not as free-floating as we want it to be because of new players getting, how can you say, gelled together, getting it more smooth, more free.

"How can we make sure that if that's not working, how can we make sure we are super solid and still building? So that's part of the puzzle."

The Lilywhites have not been too free-flowing in possession but have been superb from set-pieces with Van de Ven now up to five goals for the season. His first goal also came from Bentancur nodding a corner back across goal.

Hello and welcome to football.london for live coverage of Tottenham's Premier League meeting with Everton this afternoon.

Spurs will look to bounce back from last weekend's 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa when they face the Toffees at Hill Dickinson Stadium. After a superb start to life at Spurs, Thomas Frank has overseen one victory from the last five matches and a smattering of boos greeted full-time after a fortunate 0-0 Champions League draw at Monaco on Wednesday.

Recent injuries to Cristian Romero (adductor) and Destiny Udogie (knee) have halted Tottenham’s momentum and especially with the likes of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski long-term absentees. Frank will be hoping his players can send the travelling supporters home happy with a much-needed win.

Thomas Frank and David Moyes have struck up a strong friendship since the 2024 European Championship

Thomas Frank intends to continue a "fantastic tradition" and enjoy a drink with Euro 2024 colleague David Moyes following Tottenham's visit to Everton. Frank and Moyes developed a close friendship whilst working together as pundits during the European Championships two summers ago.

The pair went viral when they were spotted chuckling in the background of a podcast being filmed by Gary Lineker, but despite being opponents for 90 minutes at Everton's new ground on Sunday, they will set that aside shortly after the final whistle. "I will 100 per cent go in and share a beer or a glass of red with David after the game," Frank confirmed.

"We always do that. That I appreciate. Some do it, some don't. I always invite coaches in, so they are more than welcome.

"I think it's important. I think it's a fantastic tradition. We are all in the same s***. Only a few of us that actually understand each other. So, even though we can be a little bit, how can you say, tense on the touchline, in the end of the day, we understand each other."

The former Brentford manager first came up against Moyes in the summer of 2020 before an appreciation for the Scottish manager evolved into a genuine friendship. Frank chuckled: "I also like my red wine and he is also a decent drinker. He also likes his beers and red wine. He's a very good guy and I feel privileged to get to know him.

"And the first time I met him we were in the Championship and we played West Ham in a friendly. Or did I meet him before? I don't know. But that stood out.

"Then we started to meet each other in different areas outside the pitch in different events and stuff like that or for dinner with other coaches and just mutual good respect. And yeah, we worked at the Euros and we had some good evenings!".

After an impressive beginning to his tenure at Spurs, a disappointing sequence of just one victory in five fixtures has materialised either side of the October international break. Richarlison had begun the campaign in excellent form, though his most recent goal came on September 21.

With Richarlison set to face his former club Everton, Frank supported him to add to his tally of five goals against his previous employers when questioned whether the occasion could reignite his scoring touch. "Yeah, hopefully. I think Richarlison started the season very well and, touch wood, he's in a good place," Frank said.

"I can't remember a spell this long where he hadn't had anything, so big praise to the medical guys and the sport performance guys to put him in a very good place. Plus himself, working hard on that."

Have off-field changes impacted team?

Frank: "The day it was decided Daniel wasn't here anymore was unusual, then the first couple of weeks there were a few questions from you guys but then you get on with things. I focus on preparing the team in the best possible way."

On Pape Matar Sarr - is he fit?

Frank: "Yes, there's nothing wrong with him. It's just competition and other players have done well. In general I'm happy with Pape, he was one of the players that impressed me most at the start of the season."

On Xavi Simons

Frank: "Xavi has been with us for seven or eight weeks which is a short time in football but also a long time.

"I liked his personality after the first 60 minutes against Villa but he then tired a bit.

"Our demands to him is more intensity but a player I believe in, he's got the pass and vision.

"We've just been training and he trained very well."

On Jack Grealish

Frank: "Everton is a very competitive team. There are more players than just Grealish, Beto has been good, Ndiaye too and Dewsbury-Hall after maybe not being on top at Chelsea.

"My colleague David Moyes' teams are always competitive, I've always respected him.

"The coaching stuff and Moyes have got Jack flourishing again, he's so dangerous and can create from nothing."

Kolo Muani, how close to starting?

Frank: "He's definitely getting closer. It's the first time he's had a sustained block of training and minutes. He can't be bombarding 90 minutes again and again but he can be used, which is good news."

Fixture list, tough games?

Frank: "I'm learning every day about the team, the players and individuals.

"I see a really willing group trying to do their best for this wonderful club.

"I learned that after the game against Villa, I know we lost but the performance is what I need to look at."

Missing long-term absentees like Madders and Deki?

Frank: "Every head coach or manager wants all their players fit, then we're complaining that the squad is too big

"It is what it is, I very rarely say anything about injuries.

"It's my job to put the best possible team on the pitch."

Updates on Romero, Udogie and Solanke

Frank: "Cuti just walked out on the grass running, positive and progressing, no timeframe but I don't expect it to be a longer one.

"Destiny isn't on the grass yet, not a longer one.

"Dominic positive, he's taking steps in the right direction every day. Sustainable amount of pitch sessions on his own."

Thomas Frank has just been speaking to the media following Tottenham's Champions League 0-0 draw at Monaco in the Champions League

Thomas Frank has praised Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario for his heroic display that earned Spurs a big Champions League point in Monaco.

The Dane has now spoken to the media following the goalless draw and stated he is now overly concerned by the fact his side faced 23 shots this evening at the Stade Louis II.

Spurs now return to north London to rest before they travel north to Merseyside for Sunday's Premier League game with Everton.

Here is the full transcript from Frank's press conference.

Spurs' first goalless draw since March 2023, 125 games ago. Did you set out to grind it out like that, because that was kind of how it became in the end?I think it was a game where relatively even first half and then a second half where I think Monaco was better than us, where we didn't hit the performance we want. I think we lacked a bit of intensity overall in the game, especially the second half. And that combined with a day where we didn't get too many players at a good enough level, that can happen. I think we are learning Champions League and every game in Champions League is difficult, especially away games against a good Monaco side, Monaco side I said, before the game, which I also think it's fair to say they had the best half of the season against us, but fair play to them and then the ability for us to compete in the Premier League and then in the Champions League is a challenge we are up for and want to. I also think it's fair to say last year we finished 17th and competed in Europa League, so we are taking it step by step. And it's not the worst thing on a bad day to get a point and a clean sheet. I think today the clean sheet was down to a few things, but a big thing down to Vicario, I think, that played a fantastic game.In the last 10-11 years, Tottenham have had either Harry Kane and Son to rely upon or both of them, now you haven't. Are we seeing the reality of that now?I think that's fair to say. Wilson Odobert is a very, very good talent and I think he's been positive but of course he is taking his step into the Premier League and the Champions League. With other players also, Xavi [Simons] has just come to the club, Lucas is a young player, Kudus has been exceptional for us, but also played more or less every minute. So we lack maybe that little extra spark today. Kolo Muani we believe can make a difference and look positive when he came on. But he had that injury, so of course there's some of that. No complaints, it is what it is. It's my job to get the most out of the players available.

Some of the players lack some intensity. What do you put that down to? It's a Champions League night.Good question. Maybe we need to think a little bit more about it. I'll try to come up with an answer. There can be many, many things. It can be a combination of play it good and cover it. It was a very competitive game against Villa. I think we performed very well. Then to go again. Some of them haven't done that too much, some have. It could be just on the day you don't get a top performance. I think the first half was okay in that sense, but I think in the second half we lacked more.But just to be clear, is it a matter of effort in your mind?No, I don't think it's effort. I think it's more the ability to go again and again and again in every action throughout a game. I think it's not been a problem at other times. Sometimes it is. Today was not top.On Vicario, his performance was questioned against Villa, is he the type of character to use that as fuel to turn in tonight's performance? Did you speak to him? There's been some questions amongst fans whether he should be your number one, but that was a great response tonight.I think the two goals against Villa, I don't think it's mistakes. I don't think it's any of that. It was two great finishes. But what I would say, and as you said, I think he was very good today. I think some of the saves were exceptional tonight. He's a big part of why we got a hard-fought point, but at the end of the day it can be a crucial point.

Just on Odobert, did he pick up an injury?Actually, I don't know. But of course we shoved him off because there was some pain, but I don't know the consequences of it.Thomas, I know you had 23 shots tonight. Is that worrying for you, that they're hurting a lot?Yeah, I think you can say we just played home to Villa where they only had eight shots. If it was every game we conceded 23 shots, it would be a big challenge, which it is definitely not. So it can be a combination of lack of intensity, a combination of Monaco hitting a very high level, a combination of us not hitting the best level. But they had too many shots to what I would like.What can Archie Gray give you from left-back?I think he solves it very well, as he's done a lot of times last year, left-back, right-back and centre-back. I think he can play all three positions. I think his best position is still midfielder. But I think he can play all three. I like his character and effort in the left-back today. He just carried on when he came into the midfield and did well there as well. Final one on the back, please.What is Kolo Muani missing to get back into the national team?First and foremost, I think it was very nice to have him back in the Champions League. I'm sure he appreciates it as well. I'm very happy that we managed to sign him in the end of the transfer window. We were unlucky to pick up a dead leg early.

That's kept him out of the game so far. But now he's been training well for some weeks. He got minutes in the weekend against Villa, got more minutes today. I think it looked like there were some promising actions today.

Of course, he liked a little bit more rhythm and Max's top actions. But I like him a lot in many aspects. I think for any player to come into any national team, and the French is a very strong national team, of course you need to play more games and hopefully we'll do that.

Here's how Tottenham's players rated after their Champions League stalemate with Monaco at the Stade Louis II

If anyone was doubting Guglielmo Vicario's credentials as Tottenham's No.1 - perhaps they won't be now. Just three days after his positioning was fiercely scrutinised for both of the goals he conceded from distance against Aston Villa, the Italian led by example and provided a timely reminder of his quality between the sticks in Monte-Carlo.

There were eight exceptional saves in total during a masterful goalkeeping clinic and who knows how important this point might prove to be come the end of the Champions League group phase. Tottenham, at times, played like a side that were planning on using upcoming home matches against Copenhagen and Slavia Prague as an insurance policy. There were bursts of attacking promise and equally, flashes of defensive vulnerability and that is so far, a fair depiction of Thomas Frank's Spurs. They remain a work in progress and were incredibly fortunate not to be beaten - even if Brennan Johnson did squander a golden, late opportunity. Monaco's width and defensive structure provided Sebastien Pocognoli's front three with a license to interchange and shaky Tottenham were forced to ride a giant wave of first-half luck. Come the interval, the contest had effectively become a straight shootout between Vicario and former Arsenal frontman Folarin Balogun. First the Spurs No.1 denied the USMNT striker with his ribs before he raced off his line and spread himself admirably to block the Monaco marksman's rasping close-range strike. Sloppy midfield play from Lucas Bergvall then almost cost Tottenham dearly, however, Vicario was once again equal to Balogun's low effort and this diving stop was undoubtedly pick of the bunch.

Frank's game plan appeared to be centred around counter-attacking and pragmatism. While Spurs missed Romero's leadership and experience, they embraced the chaos provided by replacement Kevin Danso's awkward long throws. One evaded Monaco goalkeeper Philipp Kohn but Richarlison was unable to turn home at the far post. France international starlet Maghnes Akliouche, who acknowledged on Tuesday that he was flattered to read reports of Tottenham's transfer interest during the summer, was a constant thorn in Tottenham's backline. His balance, vision and guile was a persistent nuisance between the lines and Vicario made another credible save to deny the playmaker at his near post early in the second half. The Monaco barrage did not stop there, either. Aleksandr Golovin was next to test Vicario before Monaco captain Thilo Kehrer, a Conference League winner with West Ham, headed narrowly wide. Minutes later, Jordan Teze looked destined to score from yet another header but Vicario continued his heroics, palming the ball to safety. Former Liverpool attacker Takumi Minamino breathed new life into Monaco's dejected frontline and he went close on three separate occasions, twice blazing over and once wide. The hosts had an astonishing 23 shots on Tottenham's goal but Spurs finished the stronger of the two sides and nearly nicked it when the ball found its way to sub Johnson at the far post - his shot was well blocked.

Here's how we rated the Spurs players at Stade Louis II.

Guglielmo Vicario

Sensational performance. Made three crucial first half saves to twice deny Folarin Balogun and then made another handful of excellent saves after the break. Superb all evening. 9

Pedro Porro

Had a hard time defending his flank in the second half. Lots of crosses came down his side and misplaced a few long-range passes when Spurs were trying to build some momentum. 6

Kevin Danso

Long throws caused carnage. Defended well and filled in well for Cristian Romero. Had two headers at goal, also. 7

Micky van de Ven

Put his body on the line and made several crucial blocks. Was some speculation he might start at left-back before kick-off but was a rock at the heart of defence. 8

Archie Gray

Made a couple of crucial first-half interventions. Grew in confidence as the game went on and generally, played very well. Deserved more opportunities on back of this performance. 8

Joao Palhinha

Recovered the ball. Wasted chance to launch first-half counter but was crucial to breaking up play. 7

Rodrigo Bentancur

Subbed on the hour mark. A real surprise he's keeping his place in the side because stylistically, he's too similar to Palhinha. 6

Lucas Bergvall

Poor in possession. Subbed on the hour mark and never really looked comfortable positionally. 5

Mohammed Kudus

Some great touches and really smart holdup play. May not get the credit he deserves because he didn't score or assist but he was very effective all night. Corners were hit and miss. 7

Wilson Odobert

As bright as he's been in a Spurs shirt. Started confidently and there was some lovely touches in the first half. Picked up a problem with his abdomen but looked dangerous all night on the break. 7

Richarlison

Missed first-half chance that was blocked. Booked for high boot on Mohammed Salisu and otherwise, did not do much at all. 5

Subs

Xavi Simons

Ruined a counter-attack by turning back and playing a poor, weak pass. 5

Pape Matar Sarr

Needs to start pushing for more minutes. Not worse than what Spurs have in midfield. 6

Randal Kolo Muani

Looks lost at times. Doesn't seem to have the belief to make something happen from the bench. 5

Brennan Johnson

FULL TIME - AS Monaco 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs do enough to clinch a point at the Stade Louis II, as their clash with AS Monaco finishes 0-0.

Simons hits and hopes

Spurs squander their best chance of the game

Akliouche hits one from range

Minamino causing problems

WHAT A SAVE

The ball is whipped into Teze from the left-hand side, leaving him to nod home from point-blank range. However, the Spurs shot-stopper is once again there to deny Monaco of a lead.

Another incredible save from Vicario

Odobert takes a pew

Free kick squandered by Spurs

More pressure from Monaco

Yellow for Richarlison

Spurs 'a little disjointed' says Les Ferdinand

Speaking on TNT Sports at the interval, Les Ferdinand said: "They seem a little bit disjointed. I know they've had a few players coming in, he's made a few changes, but the team just don't seem settled. Usually they're very good at keeping the ball and they're not keeping the ball at all well tonight."

Half-time

The whistle goes for half-time at the Stade Louis II, as the game remains goalless after 45 minutes.

Two minutes added time

The board shows two minutes added time at the end of the first-half. Can either side steal one ahead of the break?

Brilliant link-up play from Spurs

Kudus puts the set piece deep as Danso gets a free header at the back stick, but he's under it and the ball continues to rise well above the target.

Incredible reactions from Vicario

The shot-stopper has been incredible thus far, and continues to keep the Lilywhites in it.

Kudus on target

Unlucky for Richarlison

Vicario called upon once more

Panic stations for Vicario

It's all open

As we enter the 25th minute of the game, it's been an incredibly open outing thus far - with chances at both ends of the pitch.

Tottenham Hotspur will aim to continue their unbeaten start to their Champions League campaign as they travel to Monaco on Wednesday

Tottenham Hotspur will have to shake off a disappointing Premier League defeat as they return to European duties.

The north London side suffered a second home defeat of the season on Sunday as they fell to a 2-1 loss against Aston Villa. Despite taking an early lead through Rodrigo Bentancur, Morgan Rogers' superb strike put the away side level heading into the break.

With the game looking like both sides were set to share the spoils, Emiliano Buendia made the perfect impact after coming on as his left-footed strike outside the box nestled in the back of Guglielmo Vicario's net.

Spurs have won just one of their last four league games but the opportunity to redeem themselves comes in the form of an away clash against Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday. They've made an unbeaten start upon their return to the premier competition with a 1-0 win against Villarreal and a 2-2 draw against Bodo/Glimt.

The Ligue 1 side are in similarly disappointing form and are without a win in their last three games while they've yet to record a win in Europe after two games.

The two sides last clashed in November 2016 in Monaco, with the home side earning a 2-1 win thanks to goals from Djibril Sidibe and Thomas Lemar. Here, we bring you all the information required for you to watch the upcoming European clash.

When is Monaco vs Tottenham?

Monaco vs Tottenham is scheduled for Wednesday, October 22 at Stade Louis II, having been the home of the Ligue 1 side since 1985. The game will kick off at 8pm BST.

How can I watch Monaco vs Tottenham?

Fans will be able to watch the action on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage of the European clash set to start at 7pm BST. For those who opted to buy the package that includes TNT Sports, they'll also be able to stream the match live via a discovery+ subscription.

Supporters are able to subscribe to TNT Sports through every major TV platform, including discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. Fans in the US are also able to tune into the fixture with Paramount+ the home for all Champions League games.

Monaco vs Tottenham live stream

The game is available to stream on the discovery+ app as well as on the online player. Virgin Media subscribers, meanwhile, will be able to stream the match on the Virgin TV Go app.

Team news

The Premier League outfit will hope Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie are available for the trip to the principality after they were both withdrawn late from the squad that lost to Aston Villa on the weekend. It's likely Kevin Danso and Djed Spence will retain their spot in the starting line-up on Wednesday.

With Mathys Tel remaining ineligible due to Thomas Frank opting not to include him in his Champions League squad for the league phase, Richarlison is expected to start up top. Randal Kolo Muani continues to build up his match fitness. Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr were introduced late against the Villans and could start from the off.

Monaco have their own injury issues with ex-Spurs star Eric Dier set to miss out on a clash against his former side as he nurses a hamstring injury. Captain Denis Zakaria will also miss the game alongside Vanderson and Christian Mawissa. Paul Pogba continues his training to get match fit with the World Cup winner yet to make his debut for the club since joining in June.

Here's the Tottenham team we believe Thomas Frank will pick for the Champions League trip to Monaco

Tottenham are without three players - Cuti Romero, Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies - for their Champions League group clash against Monaco. But that does not mean Thomas Frank is short of options because he is facing a number of big calls when selecting his starting XI. Ten Spurs players will miss the meeting. Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin and Dominic Solanke are sidelined on top of the other three that are already missing. Then there's Mathys Tel and Kota Takai, who have both been left out of Frank's Champions League squad.

The back four - or five including the goalkeeper - should really pick itself. Guglielmo Vicario will keep his place between the sticks despite a shaky display against Aston Villa.

The defence is also unchanged with Kevin Danso poised to partner Micky van de Ven at centre-back. Djed Spence fills in at left-back with Pedro Porro at right-back.

Midfield is where things get a bit more complicated. Spurs travel to Everton on Sunday and will likely seek to call upon Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur on Merseyside.

For Monaco, Bentancur might just get the nod and he could be partnered by Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr.

Slightly further forward, Xavi Simons could yet keep his place even though he has now gone eight matches without scoring for Tottenham.

Frank spoke highly of him on Tuesday evening and it feels as though he might get another chance to impress.

Then there is the attack. Mohammed Kudus feels almost undroppable but at left-wing, there is definitely a spot up for grabs.

Johnson has played at left-wing for Spurs this season and could return to the fray, however, it's also possible Wilson Odobert keeps his spot.

Frank has talked up Johnson's form in training and has made it clear the Welshman will get a chance to impress soon after several weeks in the cold.

Say what you like about Johnson but he loves a goal and he has what it takes to come in clutch in Monaco. Richarlison is expected to get the nod through the middle as Tel is unavailable.

With Solanke still out, the Brazilian simply has to start and he'll be desperate to get back among the goals.