Here is how Tottenham could line up against Newcastle United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tuesday night football returns to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as Tottenham Hotspur take on Newcastle United in a crucial Premier League encounter.
Spurs head into this fixture on the back of a 2-0 away defeat to Manchester United. Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes in either half helped Manchester United overcome Thomas Frank’s side, who played more than 60 minutes with a man short after skipper Cristian Romero was given the marching orders for a reckless challenge on Casemiro.
Things are getting out of reach for Thomas Frank, and he needs to find a way to stop the rot before the Lilywhites run out of games. Tottenham’s next assignment is hosting Newcastle, who are also in a wretched run of form and head to north London on the back of a 3-2 home defeat to Brentford.
That said, here is how Tottenham could line up against the Magpies.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario was the difference between Tottenham losing 2-0 and getting destroyed at Old Trafford. He made a series of key saves to keep the scoreline respectable. The Italian may need to be in inspired form again when Newcastle visit Spurs.
Defence: Joao Palhinha, Radu Dragusin, Micky van de Ven
Thomas Frank faces a real selection crisis in defence. Romero’s straight red against Man United has ruled him out for the next four games, and with Kevin Danso sustaining a toe injury recently, Frank will have to rely on makeshift options.
Joao Palhinha will operate in central defence once again, taking up the right-sided slot in a back three. Radu Dragusin is likely to start only his second game for Tottenham this season, with Micky van de Ven completing the rearguard unit. It will be interesting to see how the trio deals with Nick Woltemade and Co. at home.
Midfield: Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher, Souza
Tottenham’s resources in defence were stretched further when Destiny Udogie was forced off with an apparent thigh problem against Man United. January signing Souza replaced Udogie at the weekend, and the teenager is expected to start his first Tottenham game on Tuesday. He will take up the left wing-back spot, with Archie Gray operating from the opposite side.
In central midfield, Yves Bissouma will be tasked with protecting the backline and allowing Conor Gallagher to push forward. They have to work extremely well together to stop Newcastle midfielders Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali from controlling the tempo of play. Pape Matar Sarr will drop to the bench.
Attack: Wilson Odobert, Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert were well marshalled by Man United at the weekend. The trio chased shadows for most of the game and, as a result, their influence wasn’t there at all. Yet, Frank is expected to place his trust on them to cause problems for a leaky Newcastle defence.
Randal Kolo Muani and Mathys Tel must again be content with spots on the bench.