Roberto De Zerbi will be hoping it’s third time lucky for Tottenham when they take to the pitch against Nottingham Forest this weekend. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI.
Attention now turns to the Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur this weekend as they prepare to take on Nottingham Forest.
Spurs are in need of a victory following their poor start to the league campaign, having lost their opening two games 3–0 and 2–0 respectively.
That poor run of results has left Tottenham firmly at the bottom of the Premier League table, and given their struggles last season, it is a position Spurs will be looking to avoid.
Ahead of this weekend’s game, we have now attempted to predict Tottenham’s XI versus Nottingham Forest.
Predicted Tottenham XI to face Nottingham Forest
Goalkeeper – Antonin Kinsky: The Czech international remains Tottenham’s first choice following the departure of Guglielmo Vicario and should be set to start here at the weekend.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The full-back was forced into putting in a shift at left winger last time out against Newcastle United, but that should not be the case this weekend, with Roberto De Zerbi set to have more options in attack.
Centre-back – Jan Paul van Hecke: He will be hoping to help Tottenham to a first clean sheet after their struggles defensively in their last two league outings.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: This is set to be the Dutchman’s second appearance in the league this season, and the hope will be that Spurs secure their first victory.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: Andy Robertson got the nod at left back against Newcastle last weekend, but we expect De Zerbi to bring Udogie back into the side on Saturday.
Defensive midfielder – Sandro Tonali: It certainly was not the sort of outing he would have hoped for against his former side last time out. There is clearly a need for the record signing to improve his displays after a slow start to life in north London.
Centre-midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: With this being an away game, De Zerbi could opt for more control in the middle of the park, and that could see him throw Bentancur into midfield as opposed to Lucas Bergvall.
Centre-midfielder – Mateus Fernandes: James Maddison is a doubt for this weekend after hurting his shoulder in Spurs’ Premier League opening game against Brentford. This weekend’s fixture could be too soon for him to start, despite returning to training, and with Conor Gallagher looking uninspiring in the league opener, Fernandes could be deployed at number ten.
Right-winger – Savio: The new signing missed out against Newcastle because of a muscle problem, but De Zerbi confirmed that his absence was precautionary and, as a result, Savio is set for a return this weekend. However, should he miss out, Mohammed Kudus is another option after he made his return last weekend.
Striker – Dominic Solanke: The Englishman could be set for a return to the starting XI this Saturday after he missed out last weekend despite scoring against Charlton Athletic.
Left-winger – Omar Marmoush: Mathys Tel and Mykhailo Mudryk are options for De Zerbi at left wing, but we could see Marmoush keep his spot in the starting XI, this time off the left.
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