Tottenham Hotspur are set to kick-start their 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign with a home game against Spanish side Villarreal. Thomas Frank’s men will be hoping to get off to a winning start and keep the momentum going.
Spurs are coming off a very impressive 3-0 win over West Ham United in the Premier League and have looked good in three of four games so far this season. Defensive solidity has improved, and Frank has got his side playing a pleasing brand of football.
The Danish tactician made some rotations to the starting XI against West Ham at the weekend and, with this in mind, he is likely to make two changes as he names his strongest possible XI against the Yellow Submarine.
Guglielmo Vicario is locked in to start in goal, and the Italian has done very well so far, keeping clean sheets in three of the four Premier League games. He will undoubtedly be key to Spurs’ chances in the Champions League this season.
In defence, Pedro Porro and Djed Spence are likely to be the full-backs on the night, with the latter pipping Destiny Udogie to the spot. The central defensive partnership is locked in, with Cristian Romero starting alongside Micky van de Ven.
Lucas Bergvall had an excellent game against West Ham at the weekend, but Frank is likely to resort to experience and bring back Rodrigo Bentancur for the Swedish midfielder against Villarreal. Pape Sarr and Joao Palhinha will round off the midfield.
Summer signings Xavi Simons and Mohammed Kudus are likely to start on the left and right wings. Through the middle, Mathys Tel was given his first chance of the season against West Ham, while Richarlison was given a rest.
However, the in-form Brazilian is likely to return to the starting XI against Villarreal, looking to continue his goalscoring form. On paper, the team appears very promising and has what it takes to beat Marcelino’s side. Let us wait and see whether Frank lines up similarly and whether Spurs can take the three points at N17.
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