Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Atletico Madrid: Strongest defence available?

Seemingly perpetual domestic misery means our European nights must be cherished, and our so far impressive Champions League campaign may be our last for a fair few years.

Thomas Frank's reign was bleak, but he did help Tottenham to a lofty fourth-place standing in the league phase defeat. Paris Saint-Germain were the only side to topple these plucky Lilywhites, while our 2-2 draw, let alone last season's Europa League semi-final victory, with Bodø/Glimt ages better with each passing gameweek.

However, we weren't exactly rewarded for a productive league phase. Two-time finalists Atlético Madrid separate Igor Tudor's side from the quarter-finals, and Tuesday's first leg will be our first competitive meeting with Los Rojiblancos since the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final.

It'll be a novel occasion, with Spurs out to achieve something improbable (winning a game of football). Here's the team the already under-fire Tudor could pick in the Spanish capital.

Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Atletico Madrid (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—It seems inevitable that Vicario will leave the club this summer, and we can only hope the kamikaze Italian is able to rediscover some semblance of serenity for the run-in.

Kevin Danso (CB)—The Austrian is a solid defender, no more, no less. Crucially, he cares. That matters plenty in our current situation.

Cristian Romero (CB)—Tudor suggested that his captain his chomping at the bit to get out there, having just completed a four-game domestic suspension. He'll be out to impress against his potential future employers.

Micky van de Ven (CB)—Van de Ven has looked like a lost soul without Romero by his side in recent weeks, but the Dutchman has his buddy back on Tuesday night and I expect we'll see his swagger return in Madrid.

Wing-Backs & Midfielders

Pedro Porro (RWB)—Porro had plenty to say to the interim manager after he was withdrawn last Thursday, but a bit of fire shouldn't be scorned. He'll start down the right flank again, and we have to see more of the Spaniard as a playmaker.

Conor Gallagher (CM)—Diego Simeone spoke positively of Gallagher ahead of the first leg, but Tottenham haven't yet seen anything close to the Englishman's best—whatever that looks like. Let's hope a meeting with familiar faces inspires the ex-Chelsea man.

João Palhinha (CM)—Palhinha's not been great as of late, but I'm not sure what direction Tudor goes in midfield thanks to some woeful squad building. I'd love to see Archie Gray.

Djed Spence (LWB)—Van de Ven is the only left-footed available on Tuesday night, but Spence is back in training and likely to start (and look uncomfortable) down the left flank.

Forwards

Xavi Simons (AM)—Xavi's struggled under the new manager, but he remains the creative difference-maker in Tottenham's ranks. Some of his best work in lilywhite has arrived on Champions League nights.

Mathys Tel (AM)—Tel's at least shown us something in recent outings. It's not been much, but more than most, nonetheless.

Dominic Solanke (ST)—Richarlison could be pivotal in the relegation scrap, but I think Tudor opts for the sharper technician in Solanke for the first leg.