Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Man City: Questions over Van de Ven

Thomas Frank is hopeful that Micky van de Ven will be fit to return to his starting XI.
Oct 13, 2018; London, United Kingdom; General overall view of the construction site of the Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium (White Hart Lane Stadium). The facility will feature a retractable grass field with an artificial surface underneath that would be used for NFL games. A minimum of two games per year will be played during a 10-year partnership between the NFL and the English Premier League team. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesSports
Oct 13, 2018; London, United Kingdom; General overall view of the construction site of the Tottenham Hotspur FC Stadium (White Hart Lane Stadium). The facility will feature a retractable grass field with an artificial surface underneath that would be used for NFL games. A minimum of two games per year will be played during a 10-year partnership between the NFL and the English Premier League team. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn ImagesSports | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Thomas Frank should be able to welcome back several players into his matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Manchester City.

While Spurs have the chance to aid Arsenal's title hopes by taking points off the Cityzens, this occasion is incomparable to the one bestowed upon Ange Postecoglou two seasons ago.

With so much football left to be played, there's still ample time for the Gunners to throw it away, no matter if Frank's Lilywhites show up against City.

The hosts enter the contest off the back of another victory over German opposition, with Wednesday night's win in Frankfurt guaranteeing us a place in the Champions League round of 16. Thus, the mood in N17 should be somewhat buoyant.

While Frank has coped with an availability crisis recently in Europe, such issues ease off domestically. Here's the starting lineup he could opt for against Pep Guardiola's side.


Predicted Tottenham lineup vs. Man City (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—The goalkeeper tends to be busy when City come to town, and Vicario is yet to record a home Premier League win over the once-perennial champions.

Kevin Danso (CB)—Even if Micky van de Ven is back in action, Danso could retain his place if Frank sticks with a back three.

Cristian Romero (CB)—There's no doubt that the skipper will be at the heart of Tottenham's defence on Sunday, matching up against Erling Haaland. City's hitman ended his open play goal drought in the week.

Micky van de Ven (CB)—Frank described the Dutchman's setback as "minor" in the week and is hopeful he'll be fit to feature against the Cityzens.


Midfielders & Wing-Backs

Djed Spence (RWB)—The Englishman is a shoo-in to start in Pedro Porro's absence. Spence will be high and wide in possession within this framework.

João Palhinha (CM)—Palhinha looked pretty good in the back three on Wednesday night, but I suspect Frank will return Spurs' tackling maestro to the engine room.

Conor Gallagher (CM)—Pape Matar Sarr's return from the Africa Cup of Nations does re-emphasise the curiosity over Gallagher's signing. His start has been quiet, but Frank will likely return him to his XI after he was ineligible to feature in the league phase.

Destiny Udogie (LWB)—João Souza trained in the week and is set to be in the squad, but he won't be displacing Udogie anytime soon.


Forwards

Wilson Odobert (AM)—This system helps Odobert receive possession in dangerous positions between the lines, and we've seen his ball-striking come on amid a more decisive run of form. He's arguably been Spurs' standout performer at the start of 2026.

Xavi Simons (AM)—Xavi would soon be a £100m asset if we played against German opposition every week. The Dutchman hasn't quite relished the more physical and rugged Premier League, but City have a soft underbelly that he can attack.

Dominic Solanke (ST)—While Randal Kolo Muani looked like he bothered on Wednesday, Solanke, who scored off the bench, is likely to replace the Frenchman up top. City are bolstered by Marc Guéhi's arrival, but their defence can certainly be got at.


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