Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Man City: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Tottenham Predicted Lineup and Injury Latest Ahead of Man City Clash

Tottenham Hotspur are preparing for one of their biggest tests of the season as Manchester City arrive in north London, with team selection and fitness concerns dominating the build-up. Thomas Frank’s squad has been stretched by injuries and heavy scheduling, leaving several key positions under scrutiny ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter. The balance between caution and competitiveness will define Frank’s approach as Spurs attempt to maintain momentum.

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Squad Fitness Update and Injury Latest

Tottenham’s medical department has been working overtime in recent weeks, with several senior players unavailable or racing against time to prove their fitness. Central defender Micky van de Ven remains the primary concern after missing the midweek Champions League fixture against Eintracht Frankfurt with a minor issue.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Frank described the Dutchman as “touch and go”, explaining that he had returned to training but was still being monitored closely. His availability could prove decisive, given his importance to Spurs’ defensive structure.

Pedro Porro is ruled out for at least a month after suffering a hamstring injury, while Richarlison remains sidelined with a similar problem. Both are unlikely to feature again before the upcoming north London derby, a setback for Tottenham’s attacking and defensive balance.

Long-term absentees include James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur, Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Bergvall and Ben Davies, leaving Frank with limited rotation options. The return of Conor Gallagher and Yves Bissouma, who were ineligible in Europe, offers some midfield reinforcement at a crucial moment.

Predicted Tottenham Lineup and Tactical Shape

With injuries restricting his choices, Frank is expected to retain a back-three system that has brought relative stability in recent weeks. The predicted Tottenham lineup suggests continuity rather than experimentation.

Guglielmo Vicario is set to continue in goal, protected by a defensive trio of João Palhinha, Cristian Romero and Kevin Danso. Palhinha’s recent performance in Germany has strengthened his case to remain in central defence, particularly if Van de Ven is unavailable.

Wing-back roles are likely to be filled by Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie, offering energy and width on both flanks. In midfield, Archie Gray and Conor Gallagher are expected to operate centrally, combining technical quality with pressing intensity.

Further forward, Frank is likely to rely on a front three of Wilson Odobert, Dominic Solanke and Xavi Simons. Solanke, who scored from the bench in midweek, has been declared fit to start despite ongoing management of his ankle recovery.

Predicted XI (3-4-3): Vicario; Palhinha, Romero, Danso; Spence, Gray, Gallagher, Udogie; Odobert, Solanke, Simons.

Manager Insights and Selection Decisions

Frank has consistently stressed the importance of player welfare while acknowledging the competitive demands of the Premier League. His comments on Solanke underlined this balancing act, noting that the striker has been “pushed to the limit” since returning from injury.

However, the manager also emphasised confidence in his squad’s readiness. He pointed to Solanke’s sharpness in front of goal as evidence that careful management is paying dividends.

Defensively, the potential absence of Van de Ven presents a dilemma. While Romero remains the cornerstone of the back line, his partners have rotated regularly this season. Palhinha’s versatility has provided a solution, but it comes at the cost of midfield depth.

Frank’s willingness to trust younger players such as Gray reflects a broader strategy focused on development alongside results. With experienced figures missing, this approach may once again define Tottenham’s performance.

Match Context and Implications for Spurs

This fixture carries significant weight in Tottenham’s pursuit of European qualification. Facing a Manchester City side still competing on multiple fronts, Spurs will need tactical discipline and clinical finishing to secure a positive result.

The match, scheduled for 4:30pm GMT at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, represents another test of squad resilience. Injuries have disrupted rhythm throughout the campaign, yet recent performances suggest the group remains competitive.

According to reporting from the Evening Standard, Spurs have approached this period with cautious optimism, recognising that small improvements in availability could have a major impact during the run-in.

A victory would strengthen Tottenham’s position in the top-four race, while defeat could increase pressure during a congested February schedule. Much will depend on how effectively Frank’s reshaped lineup adapts to City’s attacking threat.

As things stand, Tottenham’s predicted lineup and injury latest point towards a side built on adaptability and collective effort. With limited margin for error, Sunday’s encounter may prove a defining moment in their season.