Tottenham Hotspur eye assertion European night time in opposition to Copenhagen
Tottenham Hotspur return to UEFA Champions League motion at residence to Copenhagen, chasing momentum and solutions as Thomas Frank navigates an ever-shrinking squad. Accidents have piled up like winter fixtures, but the supervisor’s calm tone suggests management reasonably than disaster. Spurs sit in a aggressive group and know that factors on the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium are very important, notably in opposition to organised Scandinavian opposition who relish the position of disciplined disruptors.
Commercial
For Spurs, this tie represents greater than routine group enterprise. It’s a likelihood to reset after home bumps, sharpen mixtures, and remind the continent that north London intends to matter in Europe once more.
Health boosts alongside acquainted setbacks
The damage image has lurked like a cussed shadow by way of Frank’s early tenure. But there’s gentle. Future Udogie and Cristian Romero, each impactful off the bench in opposition to Chelsea, can be found to start out. That stabilises the again line at an important second.
There stays frustration in midfield. Archie Grey remains to be out with a calf concern, and teenage prospect Lucas Bergvall has joined an more and more crowded therapy room. That restricts rotation within the centre, a zone demanding management in opposition to Copenhagen’s compact construction.
Commercial
Frank defined the newest knocks for Djed Spence and Mohamed Kudus are usually not anticipated to derail plans. “Djed and Mo obtained a knock. They may and ought to be out there for tomorrow.” It’s a reduction given the lengthy damage listing that features Dragusin, Takai, Davies, Bissouma, Grey, Bergvall, Maddison, Kulusevski and Solanke.
Picture IMAGO
Key tactical choices in midfield and assault
Frank has leaned closely on the double pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur. Palhinha, although, has performed 90 minutes in all 5 Tottenham Hotspur matches for the reason that worldwide break, a load that will immediate warning. Ought to the Portuguese anchor relaxation, Pape Matar Sarr’s athleticism turns into much more invaluable, stretching strains and snapping into duels.
Commercial
Xavi Simons is the artistic puzzle that would unlock this contest. His flashes have teased, but Spurs desire a full-throttle European exhibiting, the sort that when made the previous White Hart Lane roar. Wilson Odobert additionally stands on the point of a Champions League begin, filled with tempo and objective.
Up entrance, the selection is easy however vital. With Mathys Tel not registered for Europe, Frank chooses between Richarlison’s chaos-energy and Randal Kolo Muani’s channel operating. In opposition to Copenhagen’s compact block, bodily presence and instinctive ending could get the nod.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Simons, Odobert; Richarlison
Stage set for a charged European night
Beneath Tuesday night time lights at 8pm GMT, broadcast on TNT Sports activities, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will anticipate depth and invention. Copenhagen won’t merely fold, however Spurs have expertise returning, tactical readability and a supervisor who embraces front-foot soccer. Successful right here might set a platform for a deep UEFA Champions League run, strengthening perception that Tottenham Hotspur are constructing one thing resilient and bold.
Count on noise, urgency and a facet hungry to point out Europe what comes subsequent.
How do you assume Frank ought to steadiness midfield minutes with so many accidents piling up?