We weren't away for long, folks.
Tottenham have evolved into sporadic Champions League performers over the past decade, and the Lilywhites are back in the big time following a two-year absence. Our 2022/23 campaign under Antonio Conte promised so much but delivered misery, so there's a sense that the club has plenty of making up to do this term.
Thomas Frank is making his bow in the competition, and there are several Spurs players poised to experience that iconic anthem for the first time in their careers on Tuesday night.
Villarreal are tricky opponents, though, and Frank must carefully manage a squad that, while talented, isn't particularly deep in all areas.
Here's how we could line up against the Yellow Submarine in N17.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Villarreal (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper & Defenders
Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – The Italian is set to make his Champions League bow off the back of his third clean sheet of the season. He's been excellent under Frank so far.
Pedro Porro (RB) – Porro doesn't come without frailties, but the good largely outweigh the bad, and it's clear that the manager values what the Spaniard supplied as a playmaker from deep.
Cristian Romero (CB) – Are the masses finally waking up to our captain's brilliance? They just might be, you know.
Micky van de Ven (CB) – I'm sure Van de Ven helped out a few FPL managers at the weekend, and the Dutchman is a sure bet to retain his place alongside Romero.
Destiny Udogie (LB) – Harsh on Djed Spence, but I'd like to see Udogie back in the team just becuase I think he could improve our dynamics in possession. Spence isn't a natural overlapper on his 'wrong' side.
Midfielders
João Palhinha (CM) – I'm already tired of the debate that's surfaced regarding Palhinha. No, he's not Andrea Pirlo at the base of midfield, but he's a smart footballer who wins his duels and ensures Spurs aren't a porous mess.
Lucas Bergvall (CM) – The kid's 19, by the way. Magic. After his standout performance on Saturday, Bergvall has to be retained.
Xavi Simons (AM) – This does mean Pape Matar Sarr will start on the bench, but he could perhaps do with a breather. Simons started wide left on Saturday and was tidy on debut, but it's from a marauding No. 10 position where the Dutchman will thrive in north London.
Forwards
Mohammed Kudus (RW) – While Kudus has been ubiquitous thus far, I don't expect Frank to turn to the alternatives for our Champions League opener. The Ghanaian joined the club so he could star on these sorts of occasions.
Richarlison (ST) – Frank has confirmed Dominic Solanke's absence for the game, but said Randal Kolo Muani is "ready" to make his Spurs debut. Still, with Mathys Tel out of the squad, Richarlison should come back into the starting XI.
Wilson Odobert (LW) – Simons' move inside opens the door up for Odobert to get the nod down the left flank, I suspect we're going to have much of the ball on Tuesday night, and I'd much prefer the Frenchman's tidy one-on-one abilities over Brennan Johnson, despite his final third efficiency.