With Tottenham set to face Hoffenheim twice in less than 24 hours, head coach Roberto De Zerbi will need to carefully manage his players’ minutes – so let’s take a look at our predicted XI for Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham Hotspur’s final pre‑season game of the summer sees them take on Hoffenheim in a behind‑closed‑doors match‑up at Hotspur Way.
This encounter is set to take place less than 24 hours after the two sides clashed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in front of thousands of fans. Spurs walked away from part one as 3-0 victors.
Part two will then bring an end to what has been a packed pre‑season camp for Roberto De Zerbi’s men, whose focus will switch quickly to the Premier League.
With less than 24 hours between the first and second meeting, managing the minutes of his players will be absolutely vital. We have now attempted to predict how De Zerbi will line up on Sunday afternoon.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Hoffenheim on Sunday
Goalkeeper – Martin Dubravka: The backup option at Tottenham looks set to start in this encounter as De Zerbi shares the minutes between Antonin Kinsky and Dubravka across the two games.
Right‑back – Pedro Porro: Fresh from his return to Hotspur Way after his extended break following a successful World Cup campaign, we do expect Porro to be handed some minutes before the Premier League season kicks off. If not him from the start, and the game may come too soon, then it will likely be Tye Hall.
Centre‑back – Kevin Danso: The Austrian will likely be Van Hecke’s deputy this season and needs plenty of minutes after his red card against Chelsea.
Centre‑back – Ben Davies: It could well be a toss‑up between Davies and Micky van de Ven here, as the Dutchman has not featured at all in pre‑season. Depending on the selection in the first game, either one could be named at centre‑back.
Left‑back – Souza: Tottenham are set to lose Djed Spence this summer, with Inter Milan having already signed him. That could lead to Souza getting more involvement at Spurs, and we expect him to get a run‑out against Hoffenheim.
Defensive midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguayan has not been heavily involved in pre‑season and should feature here to get his match fitness up.
Centre‑midfielder – Mateus Fernandes: Mateus Fernandes last featured in the game between Spurs’ second XI and their U21s, but didn’t feature against Hoffenheim on Saturday. It seems likely he will start again on Sunday.
Centre‑midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegalese has barely had a kick in pre‑season and looks set to be involved here. Spurs fans will hope to see James Maddison off the bench.
Left‑winger – Damola Ajayi: Tottenham remain short of wide‑forward options, with Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski injured while Manor Solomon was recently sold. That should allow Ajayi to come into the side.
Striker – Dane Scarlett: Dominic Solanke is a major injury doubt for this one, and that should allow Scarlett a chance to feature.
Right‑winger – Lucas Williams‑Barnett: Tottenham fans will surely be looking forward to seeing the youngster in action one more time before the Premier League season kicks off. He only recently returned to first team training, so he may be swapped out for someone like Jamie Donley. Who knows, maybe we’ll see Mo Kudus.
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