Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal – Predicted lineup and team news

In partnership with

The Football Faithful

·16 September 2025

Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham Hotspur mark their return to the Champions League on Tuesday, a reward for their triumphant Europa League campaign last season.

That European success, which ended a 17-year trophy drought, came in stark contrast to their domestic form, where the club finished a dismal 17th in the Premier League.

Video OneFootball

The paradoxical season ultimately led to a change in the dugout, with Ange Postecoglou departing despite the triumph. New manager Thomas Frank is now the man tasked with leading Spurs back into Europe’s elite competition.

A key question for this new campaign is where the goals will come from in the post-Harry Kane and Son Heung-min era. The duo have scored a remarkable 42% of the club’s all-time Champions League goals. Consequently, the pressure is now on others to step up. Richarlison, the only current player with more than one Champions League goal for the club, will be expected to lead the line and fill that significant void.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Villarreal – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham Hotspur team news

Thomas Frank is without several key players due to long-term injuries, including chief creators James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski. His options are further limited as Yves Bissouma and Mathys Tel were not registered in the Champions League squad.

Bergvall’s first Premier League goal = a beauty 💫
– Sabtu, 13 September 2025

Up front, Dominic Solanke remains a major doubt with an ankle injury. As a result, Richarlison is expected to lead the attack. He will likely be supported by new signing Xavi Simons and former Ajax and West Ham star Mohammed Kudus, while Swedish talent Lucas Bergvall could make his Champions League debut in midfield.