The October international break has been navigated without too much fuss, despite the abundance of Spurs stars who were in action for their respective countries.
There were certainly highs and lows, While our French U21 starlets impressing again and Mohammed Kudus helping Ghana qualify for next summer's World Cup, Lucas Bergavll endured a miserable time, Sweden will be relying on the playoffs to earn their place at the big show. Fortunately, Dejan Kulusevski should be available when March rolls around.
Anyway, that's enough international talk. Tottenham are back in action on home soil on Sunday afternoon, with Aston Villa, the early crisis team of 2025/26, travelling to N17. The Villans steadied the ship before the break, and a hotly contested contest is in store this weekend, with Spurs aiming for a repeat of last season's home outing against Unai Emery's men.
Here's how Thomas Frank could set his side up this weekend.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Aston Villa (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – Vicario made up for his role in Leeds United's goal two weeks ago by making a pair of excellent second-half saves to preserve our victory. Still, the Italian has something to prove after the break.
Pedro Porro (RB) – Porro's importance to the Spanish national team is starting to be realised, and he remains an imperative figure in Frank's Lilywhites.
Cristian Romero (CB) – Romero was at the fan forum on Thursday and sat as CEO Vinai Venkatesham sang his praises. He didn't have all that much to do on international duty, it would seem.
Micky van de Ven (CB) – Van de Ven lined up at left-back for the Netherlands over the recent break, but will return to his familiar role on Sunday. There are rumours of a new contract emerging.
Destiny Udogie (LB) – Djed Spence had an excellent break, but Udogie is needed in this Tottenham team.
Midfielders
João Palhinha (CM) – I think Frank opts for Palhinha at the base of his midfield to combat Aston Villa's threat between the lines. Given how Villa play, this has the makings of a huge game for the Portuguese international. Duels aplenty.
Lucas Bergvall (CM) – This might not be the worst game for a fresh Rodrigo Bentancur to start in, but I think we'd all prefer a more dynamic option alongside Palhinha. Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr.
Xavi Simons (AM) – Xavi didn't play all that much for the Dutch, so he should be pretty fresh here. He's certainly growing in Spurs colours, but we're waiting for his "he's arrived!" game to surface.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW) – The Ghanaian must be flying high knowing that he'll be going to the World Cup next year, especially after Ghana failed to qualify for the upcoming African Cup of Nations. Kudus has been Spurs' star performer this season.
Mathys Tel (ST) – Richarlison has flown to the Far East and back ahead of this fixture. We don't need a sluggish Richy leading the line here. I hope Frank trusts Tel again.
Wilson Odobert (LW) – Sure, he was playing lowly opposition for the U21s, but Odobert was brilliant over the break and the signs of growth he's starting to show is undoubtedly exciting. Let's hope he makes a fool out of Matty Cash here.