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All eyes on Joao Palhinha as Tottenham gear up for Bayern challenge | Pre-Season 2025

Originally posted on To The Lane And Back
By Jainil Shah | Last updated Aug 5, 2025 9:36 AM ET

Tottenham Hotspur return to Europe following what was quite an emotional and successful pre-season campaign, and they take a pit stop in Germany before landing on English soil, as Thomas Frank’s side are set to lock horns with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena this Thursday (7 August). This one promises to be an equally emotional game as the one against Newcastle United the other day, with the North Londoners set to be reunited with former talisman Harry Kane.

Thomas Frank is set to conclude his first preseason summer in Germany as the Lilywhites new boys Joao Palhinha and Mathys Tel also return to familiar surroundings in Allianz Arena.

While a lot of narrative will be revolving around the reunions of the aforementioned three players, especially Harry Kane, given how he is a modern icon at Tottenham and how he has continued to rack up goals in Bavaria since his £100m move last summer.

But for the Dane head coach, this one would strictly be business, much more than that North London derby away in Hong Kong. Given that Tottenham have their UEFA Super Cup clash against PSG just days away, the North Londoners are expected to field a strong starting lineup to sharpen the squad’s match fitness ahead of facing Luis Enrique’s side.

Bayern vs Tottenham Team News: Palhinha set to debut while Frank has a Maddison nightmare

Tottenham Hotspur’s fourth summer signing, Joao Palhinha, is expected to start for the Lilywhites in the middle of the park just six days after sealing his loan move from Bayern. Veteran midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, alongside teenager Lucas Bergvall, is also in line to join him in that midfield three.

However, that injury to James Maddison at the weekend’s friendly against Newcastle United will be a hefty blow to Tottenham, as he was clutching the same knee that ruled him out of the Europa League final, and many fear that the former Foxes midfielder will be on a lengthy lay-off, with Thomas Frank confirming that the initial signs are “pretty serious”.

The 28-year-old will join the likes of Dragusin, Kulusevski, and Kota Takai on the sidelines, while Destiny Udogie still remains a doubt, and Dominic Solanke is expected to return from his knock this midweek.

Tottenham Hotspur lineup vs Bayern Munich

Thomas Frank should be going strong at the start of the game as he preps for the upcoming Super Cup with Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven and Djed Spence expected at the back, while Richarlison is expected to lead the line following his impressive performance against Arsenal. The Brazilian should be flanked by Mohammed Kudus and Wilson Odobert on either side, with Palhinha making his Tottenham debut.

Predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur, Bergvall; Kudus, Odobert; Richarlison.

Tottenham’s pre-season 2025

We have seen how some of the tweaks that Tottenham have made have taken the North Londoners a long way, and that is seen in the fact that the Lilywhites are unbeaten in the pre-season.

Reading 0-2 Spurs

Spurs 2-2 Wycombe

Luton 0-0 Spurs

Arsenal 0-1 Spurs

Spurs 1-1 Newcastle

Opponent Watch: Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich have completed the arrival of Luis Diaz from Liverpool, which makes Thursday’s clash the North Londoners toughest test yet in the ongoing preseason. But if the Lilywhites can continue their upward trajectory, it’d be a statement of intent going into that PSG game and ahead of the new campaign.

This article first appeared on To The Lane And Back and was syndicated with permission.

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