Tottenham’s strongest possible XI to face Atletico as key injured star could return
After two crucial Premier League games in the next week, Tottenham will turn their attention to Atletico Madrid and the Champions League.
We don’t want to jinx it, but the injury crisis at Spurs is easing up a little of late. With big players returning, Igor Tudor will soon have a much stronger squad to choose from.
That’ll come in handy, as Tottenham face Atletico Madrid in the last-16 of the Champions League, which will not be an easy tie by any means.
Looking ahead to that first leg on March 10, we consider what the line-up could be, with one player available after suspension, and another potentially returning after a spell on the sidelines.
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Who should be in the Tottenham XI vs Atletico Madrid?
Guglielmo Vicario
Even without Antonin Kinsky’s injuries of late, Guglielmo Vicario would be starting in goal. He’s the undisputed Tottenham number one, at least until the end of the season.
Cristian Romero
Spurs have missed Cristian Romero, who has been serving a domestic suspension for his red card against Man United. He’ll be free to play in the Champions League, though, and it’ll be great to have the skipper back for such a big game.
Kevin Danso
If Igor Tudor wants to get the best out of his defence, he needs to use Kevin Danso. The centre-half has been back in training this week and could feature against Fulham and Crystal Palace. After that, he’ll be raring to go for Champions League duty.
Micky van de Ven
He’s nursing a small injury at the moment, but Micky van de Ven is expected to be fine for this weekend’s game against Fulham and beyond. His pace and strength will be key to stopping the Atletico attackers.
Pedro Porro
Like Danso, Pedro Porro has been back in training this week, and it’s hoped he can play against Fulham. Fans believe Porro can help the team win that game, and he’ll be a useful asset to have against Atletico, too, if he can create chances from the wing-back position.
Joao Palhinha
He’s played centre-back recently, but Joao Palhinha is far better-suited to that defensive midfield role. Having him in the middle of the park will be huge for Tudor as he looks to stifle Diego Simeone’s side.
Pape Sarr
There’s certainly an argument to be made that Conor Gallagher would feature in Tottenham’s strongest XI, but we’ve not seen enough from the new man to suggest he should be ahead of Pape Sarr in the midfield yet. Sarr looked decent against Arsenal and offers Spurs more dynamism than Gallagher.
Xavi Simons
Meanwhile, Xavi Simons started up top against the Gunners and looked poor, to be honest. But, dropping back into his more natural midfield role will surely benefit him and the team. When he’s at his best, he can tear any team apart.
Destiny Udogie
If, and it’s a big if, Destiny Udogie can push on and get back to fitness a little bit earlier than expected, he could be in the team to face Atletico on March 10. It’s thought he will be out until March 15 with his hamstring issue, so the second leg is more likely, but we can hope, can’t we?
Dominic Solanke
Tottenham have been without their focal point for far too long this season, but when Dominic Solanke has played, he’s scored more often than he hasn’t. He bagged in the Champions League wins over Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt, and hopefully he can keep that run going.
Randal Kolo Muani
Likewise, Randal Kolo Muani has enjoyed a fairly productive season in the Champions League this year with three goals in seven matches. He also looked lively in Tudor’s first game, and the partnership with Solanke could be key to the Lilywhites’ chances of progressing here.
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