Tottenham predicted lineup vs Wolves: Kudus, CBs return for Saturday night's clash

Spurs face the point-less Wolves in the Premier League on Saturday night.
Mohammed Kudus is among the players who'll be back in Thomas Frank's XI.
Mohammed Kudus is among the players who'll be back in Thomas Frank's XI. | Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

A midweek Carabao Cup tie against League one Doncaster Rovers presented Thomas Frank with an opportunity to rest those who had enjoyed busy starts to his tenure.

The Dane, for the most part, took that chance, although he ensured Spurs' progression in the competition by continuing to trust senior figures.

Fortunately, it's not the most daunting of Premier League tasks that greets Frank's side next, although Wolves have an excellent recent record in the head-to-head duel, winning four of the previous five.

Vitor Pereira's side have had a tough start to their 2025/26 campaign, and are only the only team in the top flight that are yet to register a point, which is perhaps harsh. They've knocked out two Premier League sides to reach the Carabao Cup fourth round.

This is the epitome of a trap game for Spurs, and here's the starting XI Frank could pick.


Tottenham predicted lineup vs Wolves (4-3-3)

Joao Palhinha
Xavi and João Palhinha are poised to start in Spurs' midfield. | Marc Atkins/GettyImages

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Guglielmo Vicario (GK) – The Italian had enjoyed a fine start to the season, but he was at fault for Brighton's second last weekend, and Antonín Kinský's impressive display on Wednesday may have placed a bit of pressure on Spurs' No. 1.

Djed Spence (RB) – It's time for Pedro Porro to earn a breather. The Spaniard captained the side through 90 minutes in the week and has been a ubiquitous figure so far. Frank should be comfortable using Spence in his place.

Cristian Romero (CB) – The skipper was one of the few who sat out of Wednesday's game completely, so he'll be fresh for the weekend.

Micky van de Ven (CB) – Van de Ven also wasn't needed, so he'll be back to partner Romero in N17 on Saturday night.

Destiny Udogie (LB) – We looked a little better in possession with Udogie at left-back, and I expect Frank to retain those dynamics, given that we'll be expected to monopolise the ball here.


Midfielders

João Palhinha (CM) – The centre-back supremo will return to his more natural habitat at the weekend, although there were distinct perks with his utilisation in defence, especially in possession.

Lucas Bergvall (CM) – You've got to have a dynamic operator alongside Bergvall, and although Archie Gray was excellent in the week, he'll probably earn minutes off the bench. The Swede should come in.

Xavi Simons (AM) – The glimmers will soon develop into standout displays, I'm convinced. Hopefully, we see the very best of Xavi under the lights on Saturday night.


Forwards

Mohammed Kudus (RW) – Kudus added two more assists to his season’s tally last weekend, and he’ll be raring to go after his midweek absence.

Richarlison (ST) – Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani remain sidelined, so Richarlison, who has an excellent record against Wolves, is a shoo-in to start here.

Wilson Odobert (LW) – Brennan Johnson was very good on Wednesday, but he'll likely be used to offer Kudus respite moving forward. Odobert is far more natural down the left, and he played a key role in our early success on Wednesday.


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