Spurs Starting XI vs Forest: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Tottenham predicted line up vs Nottingham Forest as team news emerges

Tottenham head to the City Ground on Sunday afternoon looking to extend a run of positive results, with team news and selection calls beginning to take shape ahead of the 2pm GMT kick-off. After back-to-back victories and a welcome defensive upturn, attention has turned firmly towards the starting XI Thomas Frank is likely to deploy against Nottingham Forest.

Spurs have enjoyed a rare spell of calm following consecutive clean-sheet wins, scoring five times without reply in the process. That momentum has given Frank some breathing space as he continues to balance injuries, fitness concerns and the search for his most effective attacking structure.

Latest Tottenham team news before Forest trip

Dominic Solanke remains unavailable despite a tentative return to individual training. Frank has made clear that no further updates will be offered until the striker is fully reintegrated into team sessions, effectively ruling him out of Sunday’s contest. The Spurs head coach has grown weary of repeated questions around Solanke’s recovery and is taking a cautious approach.

There is also no respite at full-back. Destiny Udogie is sidelined until January with a hamstring injury, leaving Tottenham light in defensive wide areas during a congested festive period. Djed Spence and Pedro Porro are expected to shoulder significant minutes, particularly with rotation limited by ongoing absences.

Further forward, Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison remain long-term injury concerns. Frank has declined to provide a timeline for either player’s return, reinforcing the sense that Spurs must continue without two of their most creative options for the foreseeable future.

Selection dilemmas shaping starting XI decisions

Despite those setbacks, Tottenham’s recent performances have offered encouragement. The manager is beginning to see clarity in certain combinations, particularly in attack. Xavi Simons has found rhythm after opening his goalscoring account for the club, while his developing understanding with Mohammed Kudus has been one of the brighter tactical notes in recent weeks.

Frank is still refining his preferred balance in midfield. Joao Palhinha is pushing for a start if additional control is required in the centre of the pitch, offering defensive security alongside Rodrigo Bentancur. That decision could be pivotal away from home against a Forest side capable of punishing lapses in structure.

Brennan Johnson is also in contention to return on the left flank after missing the midweek win over Slavia Prague. His pace and directness would provide a different dynamic, particularly if Spurs look to exploit space in transition.

Predicted Tottenham line up vs Nottingham Forest

Barring late changes, Tottenham’s predicted line up points towards continuity from recent successes, with minimal disruption to a side that has rediscovered confidence.

Guglielmo Vicario is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Djed Spence. In midfield, Bentancur is expected to partner Palhinha, giving Spurs a solid platform against Forest’s physical threat.

The attacking unit looks increasingly defined. Kudus and Simons are likely to operate centrally and on the right, with Johnson potentially returning on the left. Richarlison is expected to lead the line in the continued absence of Solanke.

Predicted starting XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence, Bentancur, Palhinha, Kudus, Simons, Johnson, Richarlison.

Injured players: Kulusevski, Solanke, Udogie, Maddison, Dragusin, Takai.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm GMT on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the City Ground in Nottingham. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports+.

With confidence building and selection decisions narrowing, this predicted line up reflects a Tottenham side beginning to stabilise. Team news over the final 48 hours will confirm whether Frank sticks with form or opts for subtle adjustments as Spurs look to maintain their upward trajectory.