Spurs travel to Merseyside in search of their first win since the international break, but with Everton unbeaten at home this season, Thomas Frank faces some key selection decisions ahead of this Premier League clash. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Everton.
It is sixth versus 12th in the Premier League this weekend, with Tottenham Hotspur set to take on Everton in matchweek nine.
It is two sides with contrasting fortunes that clash, with Everton boasting a strong home record after avoiding defeat at Hill Dickson Stadium so far this season, while Spurs currently hold the best away record in the league, having secured 10 points from a possible 12.
Thomas Frank will be hoping to guide his side back to winning ways, as Tottenham have not recorded a victory since their 2-1 triumph over Leeds United before the international break.
We have now attempted to predict how Frank could set up his team for this crucial fixture.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Everton as Cristian Romero misses out
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: After a few howlers in recent outings, Vicario will head into this fixture with renewed confidence following his impressive display against AS Monaco, where he ensured Tottenham came away with a point.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard did not have the best of games against Monaco, and while his spot in the side often feels guaranteed, Frank has shown he is not afraid to deploy Archie Gray at full-back. However, we still expect Porro to start against Everton.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Cristian Romero continues to nurse an abductor injury, and in his absence, Danso should retain his place at centre-back.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutchman captained the side last time out and was part of a defence that kept a clean sheet, but he will be aiming for a much stronger showing against the Toffees. With Spurs thin in defensive options, Van de Ven is expected to start.
Left-back – Djed Spence: Archie Gray impressed at full-back in the previous outing, but Spence should return to the starting XI, particularly if Destiny Udogie remains sidelined.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: Despite AS Monaco creating chances with ease, Palhinha still proved to be one of Tottenham’s most reliable performers, making several crucial blocks and tackles. Spurs will need his defensive presence again against Everton.
Centre midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: Frank has often stuck with Palhinha and Bentancur, and it is expected he will do so again in this fixture, even though statistics and sections of the fanbase consider this partnership to be a weak point for Tottenham.
Centre midfielder – Xavi Simons: Lucas Bergvall did not take his opportunity in the number ten role, delivering a rather lacklustre display, so we expect Frank to revert to Simons for this match.
Right winger – Mohammed Kudus: Kudus has made the right wing his own, and there is little reason to believe Frank will rotate him out of the side any time soon.
Striker – Richarlison: The Brazilian forward has struggled for form in recent matches, including the Monaco game, where he failed to make an impact. Randal Kolo Muani is edging closer to full fitness and could soon replace him, but that may not happen just yet.
Left winger – Mathys Tel: Wilson Odobert has started a few matches from the left, but Frank could opt to freshen things up by introducing Tel, especially given his limited involvement in European competition.