Tottenham predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid as Igor Tudor misses 13 key players
Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting challenge against Atletico Madrid as they attempt to overturn a heavy first-leg deficit to keep their Champions League hopes alive. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI.
Tottenham Hotspur have to beat Atletico Madrid by more than three goals if they are to secure their spot in the quarter-finals, where the winners of the tie between Newcastle United and Barcelona await.
Diego Simeone’s men, however, are known for their defensive resilience and will be looking to prevent any comeback from Spurs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But Atleti have been caught out in the Champions League before when holding a two-goal lead from the first leg.
Back in 2019, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick helped Juventus overcome a two-goal deficit, defeating Atleti in the second leg of their round of 16 encounter in the Champions League.
Spurs do not have Ronaldo on their side, but as a collective, they can cause problems for Simeone’s men. We have now attempted to predict how Igor Tudor might line up on Wednesday night.
Tottenham could be without as many as 13 senior first-team players against Atletico due to injury, illness, and suspension.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Atletico Madrid: Guglielmo Vicario and Dominic Solanke expected to start
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The goalkeeping position for Spurs has looked shaky in the last few games. Antonin Kinsky’s errors proved costly in the first leg on his Champions League debut, while Vicario made a mistake of his own against Liverpool. While Tudor has claimed that Kinsky will still play for Spurs, it is highly unlikely he will line up here, so Vicario should keep his spot.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The full-back was one of the Tottenham players to get on the scoresheet in the first leg between the two sides, and we expect him to start once more here.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Tudor could very well turn to a back three once more here. If he does so, then Danso should start.
Centre-back – Radu Dragusin: Should Cristian Romero not be passed fit to start here following a clash of heads with Joao Palhinha in the first leg, Dragusin is expected to come in for him.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutchman missed the game against Liverpool because of a suspension picked up against Crystal Palace. With his suspension completed, he should return to the starting XI for Tottenham.
Left-back – Djed Spence: Out on the left in defence, we expect Spence to continue there before Destiny Udogie returns this weekend.
Centre midfielder – Archie Gray: The midfielder featured in his preferred midfield position in the clash against Liverpool, and his performance saw him get praise from his manager. He is versatile enough to fill in both defence and midfield, but for this encounter, we expect Tudor to have him in midfield.
Centre midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: The Senegalese put in one of his better performances in a Spurs shirt against Liverpool, where he was full of running, covering every blade of grass. Such energy will be vital for Tottenham as they look to turn this tie on its head.
Left winger – Mathys Tel: The French forward has seen an increase in game time under Tudor as opposed to the limited minutes Tel was getting under Thomas Frank because of a disagreement as to his best position. He can provide width and some directness from the wide areas, and we expect him to start here as Spurs chase the game.
Striker – Dominic Solanke: The Englishman was one of the other names on the scoresheet after a well-taken goal off the bench, and that should be enough to force Tudor to hand him a start from the off here.
Right-winger – Randal Kolo Muani: Tudor would love to play Richarlison, but the Brazilian is suspended so Kolo Muani returns to the XI.
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