Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Atletico Madrid – Romero returns in a back three | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur visit Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night for a Champions League round-of-16 clash that offers a welcome distraction from their domestic struggles.

Interim manager Igor Tudor is overseeing a squad sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone following a disappointing 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Tudor’s task in Madrid is complicated by a lengthy injury list, with several first-team players currently sidelined.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus are among the high-profile absentees, while the midfield is further depleted by Yves Bissouma’s ineligibility.

However, the return of their first-choice defensive partnership provides a silver lining.

Captain Cristian Romero is available after serving a four-game domestic suspension, and Micky van de Ven – who was dismissed against Palace – is eligible to play in Europe.

Their presence will be vital in a back three alongside Kevin Danso, as Tudor seeks to replicate the defensive solidity that saw Spurs keep six clean sheets during the group stage.

Conor Gallagher is set to return to the city he called home earlier this season. His work rate will be essential alongside Joao Palhinha and Pape Matar Sarr in midfield.

Archie Gray is tipped to start on the left, with Pedro Porro retaining his place on the right.

The burden of goalscoring falls once again on Dominic Solanke, who is expected to lead the line alongside Mathys Tel.

Predicted Tottenham XI (3-5-2): Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Gallagher, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray; Tel, Solanke.