Tottenham predicted lineup vs Copenhagen: Romero, Udogie start

Thomas Frank's squad is depleted, but there should be two key inclusions in Tuesday's starting XI.
Destiny Udogie is set to return to Thomas Frank's starting XI.
Destiny Udogie is set to return to Thomas Frank's starting XI. | Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Uh oh, Tottenham Hotspur are playing at home again.

Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea felt anything but slender. It was a battering, and the sort of performance that will have many questioning the scalability of Thomas Frank's north London project.

Spurs' issues on home soil predates the new manager, but a perpetuation of struggle in front of the Lilywhite faithful will quickly see Frank fall out of favour. Fortunately, there's a chance on Tuesday night to at least put a few things right.

Copenhagen are far from European behemoths, and this could be a get-right game for the hosts.

There hasn't been too much change on the injury report heading into the midweek clash, and here's how Spurs could line up in Gameweek 4 of the Champions League league phase.


Tottenham predicted lineup vs Copenhagen (4-2-3-1)

Cristian Romero
The skipper appeared off the bench against Chelsea. | Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – Again, Vic came to the rescue on Saturday, but his efforts merely ensured Spurs weren't humiliated on home soil.

Pedro Porro (RB) – Porro could probably do with a breather, but Frank is yet to offer the Spaniard respite.

Cristian Romero (CB) – A makeshift centre-forward at the weekend, Romero hopefully won't be needed in an emergency here. The captain's return is significant, even if it wasn't felt over the weekend.

Micky van de Ven (CB) – A frustrated Van de Ven has perhaps been Spurs' standout performer this season, and there's no way he'll be out of the side here despite blanking the manager after Saturday's defeat.

Destiny Udogie (LB) – Frank has to evolve, and Udogie's presence at left-back is imperative to establishing superior balance in possession. The 3-2-4-1 structure will look a whole lot better with the Italian marauding up and down.


Midfielders

João Palhinha (CM) – We're well aware of the limitations, but Frank will continue to lean on the Portuguese midfielder, especially in Europe.

Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – The dreaded duo return! Bentancur has had a tough start to the season, but it is worth noting that Spurs have struggled mightily for any semblance of control without the ball when he's been withdrawn in recent outings.

Lucas Bergvall (AM) – The Swede should be okay to feature here despite his early withdrawal against Chelsea. Xavi Simons certainly didn't play his way into the team.


Forwards

Mohammed Kudus (RW) – Kudus has been quiet post-October break, with the extent of Spurs' reliance on him to get the team upfield perhaps weighing heavily. We can only hope Udogie's return and a coordinated left-hand side help the Ghanaian out.

Randal Kolo Muani (ST) – I'd stick with Kolo Muani. He barely got a kick at the weekend, and I'd be encouraging Frank to limit Richarlison's starts until Dominic Solanke returns.

Wilson Odobert (LW) – A side strain has limited Odobert over the past ten days, but I'm expecting the young Frenchman to be fit and ready to go in midweek. He's not yet ruthless with the final action, but Odobert is a tidy footballer who raises the technical level of this team.


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