Tottenham are targeting a swift recovery from Sunday's disappointment when they take on Ligue 1 outfit Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Thomas Frank's side succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home to Aston Villa after the October international break, having raced into an early lead. Fine finishes from Morgan Rogers and Emi Buendia helped the visitors turn the tide against the flat and dull Lilywhites, who struggled to build any second-half momentum.
It was a performance that thrust the spotlight onto the manager and led many to question his current approach. Whether there's enough time to oversee an overhaul in midweek remains to be seen, but supporters are keen for Spurs to produce a more dynamic showing with the ball in Monaco.
The extent of their improvement may well depend on who Frank has available. Here's how Spurs could line up for their third league phase outing of the season.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Monaco (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – You know that I'm on the Antonín Kinsky train and would absolutely bring him in here. However, this is a prediction of what Frank is going do, not what I want.
Pedro Porro (RB) – Spurs are leaning heavily on their right-sided combination, with Porro's distribution from deep attempting to make up for the shortcomings in midfield.
Kevin Danso (CB) – Cristian Romero's groin injury will likely keep him out here, so long-thrower Danso will continue at the heart of Spurs' backline.
Micky van de Ven (CB) – With Romero missing, Van de Ven should don the armband. The Dutchman partnered Danso in our previous league phase outing against Bødo/Glimt and was the skipper on Sunday.
Djed Spence (LB) – Destiny Udogie missed out at the weekend due to a knee injury, and although Frank believes the setback is nothing to worry about, the quick turnaround means Spence is poised to start again.
Midfielders
João Palhinha (CM) – Palhinha was superb without the ball on Sunday, and his limitations in possession were exacerbated by his partner. I also question whether Frank is instructing his pivot to avoid risky vertical passes through defensive lines. Anyway, Palhinha should get the nod again in midweek.
Lucas Bergvall (CM) – We can't have Rodrigo Bentancur alongside Palhinha again. Not after Sunday. Spurs desperately need a superior source of dynamism in their engine room, and young Swede Bergvall supplies it.
Xavi Simons (AM) – The Dutchman will look a whole lot better if those behind him are willing to pass forwards. At the moment, Xavi's moments are arriving far too infrequently, placing a greater onus on every sequence he does get to shine. Frank's structure isn't helping.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW) – An imbalanced attack means too much is being put on the Ghanaian's plate, and Udogie's absence means Spurs will likely lean on Kudus for attacking inspiration again on Wednesday.
Richarlison (ST) – Mathys Tel didn't do much with his 11 touches on Sunday, and I expect Richarlison to return to the XI here. When's Dominic Solanke back?
Wilson Odobert (LW) – I thought Odobert was pretty good at the weekend, but the same issues remain with the Frenchman. He requires a ruthless streak to take his game to the next level.