Tottenham Hotspur face the biggest Premier League game in the club’s recent history this weekend, with Roberto De Zerbi now tasked with finding the right balance in his starting XI as Spurs battle to preserve their top-flight status. We have attempted to predict how Spurs will line up against Everton.
Roberto De Zerbi has described Sunday’s clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Everton as being even bigger than the Europa League final Spurs played in over a year ago.
It is difficult to argue against him, as Tottenham risk losing their nearly half-century stay in the Premier League with a defeat against the Toffees and a West Ham United win over Leeds United.
With so much riding on Sunday’s game, De Zerbi must get his team selection right if he is to give his players the best possible chance of walking away with at least a point.
A draw or a win will be enough for Tottenham to secure safety, and with that in mind, we have put together our predicted Spurs lineup against Everton.
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Predicted Tottenham XI vs Everton includes James Maddison and Djed Spence
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The Italian made his return to the first-team squad against Chelsea and is now in contention for this weekend’s encounter. Roberto De Zerbi stated in his pre-match press conference before Chelsea vs Spurs that Vicario remains his number one, and we can see him turning to the Italian here.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard has looked like Tottenham’s main creative outlet since Xavi Simons’ injury. Unfortunately, many of the chances he creates are not being converted, but there is little reason to believe he will be dropped for this one.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Being solid defensively will be crucial for Tottenham this weekend, as even a scrappy 0-0 draw will secure survival. De Zerbi will be hoping Kevin Danso is up to the task.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: You could see what it meant to the Dutchman against Chelsea when Randal Kolo Muani gave the ball away cheaply. That passion and fighting spirit will be vital again this weekend, although this time the hope will be that he can help lead a shutout.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: It was not the best performance against Chelsea, as he struggled to influence proceedings high up the pitch. We still expect De Zerbi to stick with him, although the hope will be for a much-improved display.
Pivot midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: Chelsea did their best to stifle his influence by having Moises Caicedo man-mark him. He grew into the game during the second half, and we expect him to retain his starting spot.
Pivot midfielder – Conor Gallagher: We expect to see a slight tweak in midfield for this encounter, with Gallagher dropping deeper in place of Joao Palhinha.
Centre-midfielder – James Maddison: Tottenham are desperate for creativity, and James Maddison offers exactly that. He is still working his way back to full fitness, with De Zerbi revealing that Maddison’s minutes must be managed. However, despite only making a few substitute appearances recently, the Englishman could be handed a rare start on Sunday.
Right winger – Djed Spence: Randal Kolo Muani has struggled for much of the season, and his mistake against Chelsea may well prove the final straw. Many Tottenham supporters have called for Muani to be dropped, and we suspect De Zerbi could turn to Djed Spence out wide instead. The full-back was used on the wing against Chelsea after coming on, hinting that the role may already be in the manager’s thinking.
Centre-forward – Richarlison: Dominic Solanke could return for this encounter, but it seems unlikely he will start. Richarlison got the goal against Chelsea and should lead the line once again.
Left winger – Mathys Tel: The Frenchman remains Tottenham’s brightest spark in attack, although his biggest issue continues to be a lack of end product. Still, with options limited in the forward areas, he should continue from the left flank.