Predicted Tottenham XI to face Arsenal as Mohammed Kudus makes North London Derby debut
Tottenham Hotspur are set to continue their pre-season preparations with a high-profile fixture against Arsenal, taking place at the Kai Tak Sports Park in China. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Arsenal on Thursday.
This will be Thomas Frank’s first encounter with Arsenal since taking charge of Tottenham, and even though the fixture may be labelled a friendly, both sets of supporters will expect a spirited display.
The former Brentford boss will want to make a strong impression and could look to stamp his mark on a rivalry that has not favoured Spurs in recent times.
Tottenham’s last victory over their bitter rivals came in a friendly clash back in August 2021, and with Arsenal’s recent dominance in this fixture, there is added motivation for Frank to get one over Mikel Arteta’s side.
With that in mind, here is our predicted Tottenham XI to face the Gunners in China.
Predicted Tottenham XI vs Arsenal
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Vicario and Antonin Kinsky have been sharing minutes in pre-season so far, with both featuring in the clashes against Reading and Luton Town, getting 45 minutes each. That could very much carry on against Arsenal.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: At right-back, we expect Pedro Porro to take his spot right there, as he continues to learn his new role under Thomas Frank.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: The Argentine looks set to remain at Tottenham and has been a part of two of Spurs’ last three pre-season games. He should be at the heart of the defence against the Gunners.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: This should be the first time the Dutch centre-back would partner up with Romero in pre-season, as we expect Frank to go full strength.
Left-back – Djed Spence: Spurs are very thin in the left-back position, something that became evident when Frank announced his pre-season tour squad. Davies is the next option to come in given Udogie’s absence due to injury. Regardless, we should see Spence fill in on the left.
Pivot Midfielder – Archie Gray: Gray was given a run in the tie against Luton Town in the holding midfield role. The youngster did the basics right and tried to be tidy with the ball. He should continue there against Arsenal.
Pivot Midfielder – Lucas Bergvall: Gray could be joined by a fellow youngster in Lucas Bergvall, who could feature in the pivot alongside Gray or further high up the pitch.
Attacking Midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: Thomas Frank could very much get creative in his setup, using a 4-3-3 holding where he plays one pivot and uses Bentancur and Bergvall as two eights. Bentancur was expected to feature in one of the double-header friendly clashes on Saturday, but missed out due to a knock. We expect him to return to the XI this Thursday.
Left-winger – Heung-min Son: This could very much be Heung-min Son’s farewell tour if the Korean does secure a move to MLS side LA FC. As such, we expect him to feature in this clash and a lot more in Tottenham’s tour of Asia, given the contracts and agreements Spurs have with investors.
Striker – Mathys Tel: The young Frenchman could lead the line here, given that Solanke is nursing a knock. Solanke could also very much start from the off if he passes fit.
Right winger – Mohammed Kudus: The £55 million man has been a bright spark for Tottenham in pre-season, and we expect him to continue to feature down on the right for Spurs.
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