Simons starts, injury return, Kudus unleashed - Tottenham dream XI after international break

Tottenham will be looking to get back to winning ways following defeat to Bournemouth before the international break. Following consecutive Premier League victories and clean sheets, Spurs were outclassed by Andoni Iraola's side which was a firm reminder of the work that still needs to be done in north London

Head coach Thomas Frank is likely very aware of that already even after strong displays against Manchester City, Burnley and Paris Saint-Germain. Strengthening his squad is one way that will help though Randal Kolo Muani was the only deadline day addition following last weekend's defeat.

The Frenchman will have spent the last few days working with a smaller group at Hotspur Way but time under Frank could see him have a role to play against West Ham United on Saturday evening.

A start seems unlikely given the options in his favoured position but fellow new arrival Xavi Simons is in line to make his debut from the off for the exact reason Kolo Muani may not feature in the XI. Pape Sarr has been utilised in a No.10 role but Simons is expected to take over from him.

The former absolutely deserves to remain in the starting XI, though it will just be in a deeper role and a bit closer to Joao Palhinha. The Portugal international struggled against Bournemouth but could be perfect in a London derby screening a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

The Italian returned to action off the bench last weekend and while Djed Spence has filled in so admirably that he was rewarded with a new contract an England call-up, Udogie should remain first-choice left-back when fit.

At the opposite end of the pitch, Frank is facing two big decisions with Mohammed Kudus a shoe-in to start off the right against his former club. Richarlison, Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, Dominic Solanke and Kolo Muani will be the players competing for the other two spots.

Odobert has earned a start with some bright cameos and after scoring at London Stadium last season. Richarlison could be a late returner from international duty with Brazil and therefore, after a further two weeks to recover from an ankle issue, Solanke could go straight into the starting XI.

So many attacking changes around Kudus could impact him negatively but considering the players coming in, it is much more likely he thrives. Simons and Odobert have great ball retention and are also able to thrive in tight spaces while Solanke is a vocal point that, similarly to Richarlison, is strong in the air.

Dream Tottenham starting XI: Vicario, Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Sarr, Simons; Kudus, Solanke, Odobert.

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