Tottenham return to Premier League action this weekend, and Thomas Frank faces a key decision over which players he must bring back into the fold if he is to take three points at Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action on Sunday, and it is Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest that stands in their way.
A victory at the City Ground will see Thomas Frank’s side make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League following their win last time out against Brentford in matchweek 15.
Forest did the double over Spurs last season, beating them home and away, and Frank will be hoping that his side can get one over the Tricky Trees.
The Dane has not been scared to shuffle his pack, but we believe that if he can make three changes to his squad ahead of this clash, Tottenham’s chances of a victory will greatly improve.
Here are the changes we believe Frank should be looking to make.
Tottenham need Mathys Tel on the left
The left side of Tottenham’s attack is perhaps the most underwhelming area in the squad right now, and that is because you never know who will be starting in that position.
We have seen it all this season, with Xavi Simons, Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Randal Kolo Muani, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert all getting a run in, but not one of them has impressed out wide on the left.
Thomas Frank has even hinted that he has had to rotate so much on that side because no player has held that spot and given him no reason to change with consistent top displays.
The Dane has also praised Tel’s effort in training while expressing belief that he can come good on the left for Spurs.
Tel received a major confidence boost as he was included in Tottenham’s Champions League team and got his first minutes against Slavia Prague.
His involvement in the league, though, has been scarce, and if he is included here, given that he will be looking to prove a point, he could very much be a game-changer for Tottenham.
Spurs should start Randal Kolo Muani up front
Richarlison is Tottenham’s top scorer in the league this season with six goals; however, when it comes to leading the line, the Brazil international often struggles as a lone forward.
Muani, however, is the exact opposite, as he gives Spurs a lot more, whether he is the lone forward or paired with Richarlison.
His hold-up play, link-up play, dribbling and out-of-possession work are at a level above Richarlison’s.
He missed out from the off during the midweek encounter against Slavia Prague, and we expect that Frank will call him back to the side this weekend as he chases all three points.
The forward could pretty much be the difference between an average performance and a top display from Tottenham and given that he is rested, he should bring much needed enegry and freshness to Spurs’ attack.
Tottenham midfield needs Lucas Bergvall alongside Archie Gray and Xavi Simons
Tottenham have looked very attacking in recent weeks, and one of the reasons for that is the freshening up in the middle of the park.
The double pivot pairing of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha, which was a main feature during the early parts of the season, has been used more sparingly in recent weeks.
Frank has instead turned to Archie Gray alongside one of his more defensive-minded midfielders, and that has helped keep the balance of the team.
Tottenham will have to take the game to Forest, and the way they set up could pretty much determine what their intent is from the off.
A midfield three of Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Xavi Simons will send the message that Spurs are going for this and are desperate for all three points.
But Frank will be wary of Forest’s midfield as well, which could be very physical with Elliot Andersen in superb form.
To combat that away from home, he might be tempted to include his more defensive-minded midfielders, and that could work as long as he retains the creative option in Simons, who is in good form, alongside one of Gray or Bergvall to help keep Tottenham ticking with positive forward passing.