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Tottenham Hotspur are under pressure to halt a worrying run of form, with a London derby against West Ham United presenting a timely chance to steady the season and reset expectations. We have now attempted to predict how Thomas Frank could set up against the Hammers.
Tottenham Hotspur need to get back to winning ways, as with every passing defeat, they lose their grip on the top four.
Up next, though, is a struggling West Ham United side sitting in the relegation places after a difficult first half of the campaign.
Spurs, however, have not enjoyed a much better opening half to the 2025-26 season and will be desperate to get their campaign back on track with a victory over their London rivals.
With Thomas Frank desperate for a response from his side, we have now attempted to predict how the Dane could line up at the weekend.
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: The Italian retained his spot in goal in the FA Cup tie, but there was little he could do to prevent Spurs from being knocked out, and he is expected to start again as Tottenham continue to decide on Antonin Kinsky’s future.
Right-back – Djed Spence: With almost a week’s break, Pedro Porro is more than capable of lining up at right-back, but Thomas Frank could freshen things up by handing Spence a start off the right.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: After serving his suspension following his conduct after his Liverpool sending-off, the Spurs captain is expected to return to the starting XI.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: This is a straightforward call, with van de Ven set to start after having almost a week’s rest.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: The full-back was an unused substitute against Aston Villa in the FA Cup, but could make his first start since December against the Hammers.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese midfielder was one of the stronger performers in the FA Cup and should be in line to start, particularly with Rodrigo Bentancur sidelined for three months.
Pivot midfielder – Archie Gray: The youngster remains Frank’s preferred option in the less defensive pivot role and should start again, although competition for his place is looming as Spurs sign Conor Gallagher. Gallagher seems likely to start his first game on the bench, but you never know.
Attacking midfielder – Xavi Simons: The Dutchman is slowly finding his feet in England and will be keen to build on the flashes he has shown, having registered an assist on his debut in the reverse fixture.
Left midfielder – Wilson Odobert: With attacking options limited due to injuries, Odobert should start on the left after scoring against Aston Villa.
Striker – Randal Kolo Muani: Richarlison was forced off against Aston Villa and is a doubt with what appeared to be a hamstring issue; if fit, he should start, otherwise Randal Kolo Muani could step in as Dominic Solanke watches from the bench.
Right winger – Mathys Tel: There has been plenty of discussion around Tel’s future, but with his minutes increasing and form improving, he looks set for a fourth consecutive start.
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