Tottenham are preparing for their first visit to Everton's swanky new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday, having produced two stinking performances in back-to-back games.
Thomas Frank's side followed up a 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa with an uninspiring goalless draw at Monaco on Wednesday night. Frank, a glass-half-full man, was scathing about his team's performance in the second half, and we had our goalkeeper to thank for earning us a point.
Injuries certainly haven't helped post-October international break, and Frank isn't getting any stricken players back in time for Sunday's clash. Thus, it's time for the manager to show off his ability to adjust and adapt, which he was so often lauded for during his successful reign as Brentford manager.
Here's how Tottenham could line up away at the Toffees this weekend.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Everton (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – Big Vic was the midweek hero, having come under scrutiny at the start of the new season. There's no doubting his status as Spurs' No. 1 for the time being.
Pedro Porro (RB) – Porro was really poor on Wednesday night, but he has been relied upon constantly since Frank took over. When the Spaniard's delivery is off, Spurs lose a preferred chance-creation method.
Kevin Danso (CB) – Cristian Romero will miss out again, so there's another chance for Danso and his long throws to come to the fore this weekend. Yay...
Micky van de Ven (CB) – The Dutchman has perhaps been our standout performer of the season so far, and he'll once again wear the armband in Romero's absence.
Djed Spence (LB) – Archie Gray coped well in an awkward role on Wednesday, with Spence only performing a cameo. The England international is a sure bet to be recalled, especially as Destiny Udogie won't be making his return.
Midfielders
João Palhinha (CM) – The duel-monster has garnered the faith of the manager, and Frank will lean on Palhinha again here. It's set to be a battle in the middle of the park.
Rodrigo Bentancur (CM) – Remember, this is a prediction of what Frank is going to do, not what I'd like to see. While Bentancur isn't the sole reason for our woes with the ball, his partnership with Palhinha has proven to be rather ineffective when Spurs are expected to dominate possession. If Spurs want to evolve under Frank, there must be a more dynamic operator working alongside one of these two. The controller we require isn't on our books.
Xavi Simons (AM) – It hasn't been all bad for Xavi in Lilywhite, but the last two performances have been a little worrying. He looks devoid of confidence, and he needs to see more of the ball. It'll be a tricky environment for him on Sunday.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW) – There will come a time when Frank needs to rest Kudus, and I'm already dreading that day. It won't be on Sunday, though.
Randal Kolo Muani (ST) – We can't have Richarlison leading the line again; it has to be Kolo Muani. The Frenchman is working his way up to full fitness, and it looks like he will help ignite this Tottenham frontline.
Wilson Odobert (LW) – Odobert remains the preferred option wide left, despite his struggles with the final action. He's developing nicely, but a killer instinct would take the winger's game to the next level.