Tottenham are searching for the right balance again as Thomas Frank weighs up key decisions for a difficult trip to St James’ Park, and we have attempted to predict Frank’s starting XI against Newcastle.
Tottenham Hotspur have slipped into the bottom half of the Premier League table for the first time under Thomas Frank, following a winless November that has left supporters frustrated with the direction of performances.
Their next test is a demanding one, as Frank takes his team to St James’ Park to face a Newcastle United side beginning to find their rhythm again in the league.
Newcastle have won their last two league matches and are now level on points with Tottenham, sitting just one place below the north London side in 12th position.
Frank will be desperate for a response on Tuesday night, and with that in mind, we have attempted to predict the Dane’s starting XI.
Predicted Tottenham XI to face Newcastle in the Premier League
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: It was a disappointing performance by Vicario, who was at fault for Fulham’s second goal on Saturday, but we still expect him to keep his place in Frank’s starting XI.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: Porro’s weekend display did little to inspire confidence, as he struggled both defensively and in attacking phases. Despite that, we do not expect Frank to take him out of the squad.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: The Tottenham captain has served his one-game ban following five bookings in the opening 12 games and should return to the starting XI.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutchman was one of the better performers against Fulham, and if he can replicate that level, while others around him raise their game, Tottenham could give themselves a better chance of keeping Newcastle quiet.
Left-back – Djed Spence: The full-back was handed a rest at the weekend with Destiny Udogie starting ahead of him, but on Tuesday, he could return to the starting XI.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: The 30-year-old started against Fulham but produced one of his weaker performances in a Tottenham shirt. Even so, Frank could still use his robustness in midfield.
Pivot midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguayan missed out against Fulham as Frank opted for Archie Gray ahead of him. The 19-year-old’s outing was not groundbreaking, and we can see Bentancur returning to the side.
Centre midfielder – Lucas Bergvall: While Bentancur takes the deeper role beside Palhinha, the teenager could be pushed further up the pitch in the ten position.
Right winger – Mohammed Kudus: Kudus grabbed the only goal for Tottenham against Fulham and should take up the right wing spot on Tuesday.
Striker – Randal Kolo Muani: The forward showed fight and spirit against Fulham, even though he did not get on the scoresheet. He should lead the line once more.
Left winger – Wilson Odobert: Frank could move away from the 4-2-2-2 setup and deploy proper wide options against Newcastle, and if he does that, Odobert could return to the XI.