Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to build momentum this weekend, with Igor Tudor expected to make key calls as Spurs prepare to face Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham Hotspur will now be looking to build on their victory over Atletico Madrid on Wednesday when they take to the pitch this weekend to face Nottingham Forest.
When the two sides last met earlier in the season, it was Forest who came out on top, beating Tottenham 3-0 at the City Ground.
Spurs will be hoping for revenge, and should they secure a win of their own, they will compound Forest’s misery this season, leaving them firmly in the relegation scrap.
It is an all-important six-pointer in the race for Premier League survival, with the winners giving themselves some daylight from 18th place.
Igor Tudor revealed in his press conference on Friday that Dominic Solanke did not train with the squad but should return on Saturday and could still play against Forest. Joao Palhinha is back in training after his concussion, while Mohammed Kudus is 10 days away, Rodrigo Bentancur is edging closer, and James Maddison could still play this season.
With that in mind, we have now attempted to predict how Igor Tudor might line up against Nottingham Forest.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest: Igor Tudor selection decisions
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: We do not expect to see any changes in goal for this clash, and, as such, Vicario should start.
Right-back – Djed Spence: With Pedro Porro playing further forward at times against Atletico, we could see Spence return to right-back as a more defensive option.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: The Argentine returned to Tottenham’s XI on Wednesday following a concussion injury and should continue here.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: We expect to see a back four on Sunday, which should see van de Ven line up alongside Romero.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: The Italian could be thrown back in at the deep end after playing 20 minutes against Atletico on Wednesday. This frees up Spence to play on the right.
Right winger – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard played more of a right-wing role against Atletico, allowing him to help out defensively while also staying high and wide. Tudor will likely have to shoehorn someone into a RW role, whether it be Porro, Souza, Gallagher, or Kolo Muani.
Centre midfielder – Archie Gray: The youngster has continued to impress in the middle of the park. Gray even put in one of his finest displays against Atleti, and it is difficult to see how he does not start in midfield on Sunday.
Centre midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: If Gray starts, then Sarr is expected to partner him, given how well they have worked together as a pair, complementing each other.
Left-winger – Xavi Simons: The 22-year-old looked to have found form at the right time for Tottenham following an impressive display against Diego Simeone’s side. Simons grabbed two goals and created chances, and the hope is that he can produce a similar performance against Forest.
Striker – Mathys Tel: The Frenchman could line up in the same role he had against Atletico, serving as a second striker but also drifting out wide left to allow Simons to float. Solanke will likely be in the squad, but maybe not fit to start.
Striker – Richarlison: Having missed out in Europe because of suspension, the returning Richarlison is expected to be handed a starting spot after grabbing an equaliser in his last game against Liverpool.