Tottenham's second Premier League away game on the spin sees them visit the Amex on Saturday, as Fabian Hurzeler's Brighton await Thomas Frank's side.
Functionality has been the name of the game for Spurs at the start of 2025/26, and they were at their 'just do enough' best on Tuesday night, opening the league phase with a 1-0 victory over a good Villarreal outfit.
A busy schedule up until the October break means squad rotation is a necessity for preservation, but the long enough break from our last outing and the fact we take on League One opposition in the Carabao Cup this midweek should limit Frank's tinkering on Saturday.
Here's how Spurs could line up against the Seagulls.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Brighton (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – The Italian wasn't called into action on Tuesday night, with Villarreal's best openings finishing with errant efforts. Vicario has enjoyed an excellent start to the season.
Pedro Porro (RB) – Porro has also been really good when he hasn't been asked to match up against Antoine Semenyo. The Spaniard will doubtless be put to the test by dribbling scholar Kaoru Mitoma on the south coast.
Cristian Romero (CB) – The skipper has quickly developed a strong rapport with the new manager, and Frank will continue to count on him when fit and available.
Micky van de Ven (CB) – Van de Ven was excellent in midweek, and he'll be hoping to be a part of an improved collective Spurs display this weekend, given his post-match comments on Tuesday.
Destiny Udogie (LB) – Frank has to give Udogie the nod on Saturday. Spurs have a couple of issues in possession, one of which revolved around the erroneous left-hand side balance. The inclusion of the left-footed Udogie should facilitate greater fluency.
Midfielders
João Palhinha (DM) – After his robust cameo on Tuesday, Palhinha will be expected to return to the Tottenham XI here. Brighton have been proficient pressers at the start of the new season, and some supporters will be keeping a close eye on how the midfielder, who supposedly can't pass a football forward, aids or limits our build-up.
Lucas Bergvall (CM) – The teenage Swede is on a roll. He'll earn his breather in the week. Spurs need him here.
Pape Matar Sarr (CM) – Like Bergvall, Sarr will surely have the week off ahead of next week's game against Wolves. The Senegalese international has a role to play in boosting the performance of our left-hand side.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW) – Kudus has started every competitive fixture overseen by Frank so far, and he's another who's due a rest ahead of next week's clash. Hopefully, the superior balance down the left means we're less reliant on the Ghanaian for a creative spark.
Richarlison (ST) – Dominic Solanke is on the comeback trail and Randal Kolo Muani got minutes under his belt on Tuesday, but Richarlison will likely be retained as Tottenham's starting No. 9.
Xavi Simons (LW) – Our new No. 7 has produced a few moments with the ball at his feet that make you purr, and the inclusion of Udogie at left-back should benefit Xavi, who'll be handed greater scope to drift inside.