What are we doing here, guys?
The Tottenham hierarchy have opted against parting ways with Thomas Frank off the back of just the latest nadir we've sunk to under his tutelage, and the Dane will now take charge of Tuesday's Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.
It's a pretty big game for the Lilywhites, one that evokes memories of a more glorious time. A triumph will boost our chances of finishing inside the top eight and progressing automatically for the round of 16, but the odds are stacked firmly against the odds—and not only because Frank remains in the job.
Tottenham have just 11 senior outfielders available for Dortmund's visit. So, yeah, what could possibly go wrong here? Have we reached the point where a defeat, perhaps a convincing one, wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. God, what a sorry state of affairs.
Anyway, here's how a depleted Spurs could line up on Tuesday night.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs. Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK)—The next Vicario flap never seems too far away, and many are coming around to the idea of upgrading the goalkeeper position in the summer, especially if Frank's successor requires a steady head in possession.
Pedro Porro (RB)—His assist for the skipper at the weekend was delightful, but such deliveries have seldom arrived from the right-back’s boot this season. Porro’s got the quality, but we haven't seen it anywhere near enough.
Cristian Romero (CB)—Romero took it upon himself to get Spurs back into the game on Saturday, but his thumping header ultimately counted for nought. I suspect that he's sick of the current regime.
Kevin Danso (CB)—Micky van de Ven's suspension means Danso will be back in the side. One last hurrah for his long throws?
Destiny Udogie (LB)—Not exactly sure how fit he is, but I'd like him to be in the team over Djed Spence at left-back if he is able to start the game.
Midfielders
Archie Gray (CM)—Frank has nowhere else to turn in midfield. João Palhinha's out injured, and Yves Bissouma is suspended, so Gray will be tasked with the No. 6 role on Tuesday night.
Lucas Bergvall (CM)—On the bright side, Spurs' midfield absences mean Bergvall will get a gig in his preferred box-to-box function.
Xavi Simons (AM)—The playmaker picked up a knock at the weekend but is okay to play on Tuesday. Xavi had plenty of joy against Dortmund during his Bundesliga career, winning all three games and notching four goal contributions in the process.
Forwards
Wilson Odobert (RW)—Odobert has played off the right as of late after Mohammed Kudus succumbed to an injury, and he'll likely continue there in the week.
Dominic Solanke (ST)—Frank has opted to welcome Solanke back into the Champions League squad in favour of Mathys Tel, which hasn't gone down well. The Englishman has been used off the bench twice since returning from injury, but he'll have to be in the starting XI here.
Randal Kolo Muani (LW)—I'm not exactly sure what has happened to Kolo Muani as of late, but his best performances during his loan spell so far have arrived in this competition.