(Credit: Imago)
(Credit: Imago)
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Thomas Frank makes baffling decision as unlikely Tottenham duo handed starts vs Burnley

Kyrenia Shipillis
Kyrenia Shipillis

Kyrenia is a lifelong Tottenham fan who has been writing for Tottenham News since she joined Breaking Media in 2025. She will graduate with a Master's in Sports Journalism from St Mary's University, Twickenham in 2025. She spent several months working for the Non-League Paper and has written for the Sports Gazette. Her earliest memory of the Lilywhites is sitting alone in her dad's room in front of the telly crying into her bowl of popcorn as she watched as her team were thrashed...yet again. She is happy to report that fonder memories have since blossomed.

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Thomas Frank has already come under fire following Tottenham's lineup to face Burnley at home.

Fans were patiently waiting in the wings to see what Frank had in store for Tottenham's confrontation against Burnley in the Premier League.

The Dane has had an impressive start to life in North London. Spectators were stunned when Spurs gave up a two-goal lead to PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final.

However, Frank's side's performance before the 85th minute boosted morale for the season ahead. As such, Spurs supporters have been excited for the opening game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

But most could now be heading into the clash with a sense of dread.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank smiles
Frank has had a bumpy start to Tottenham (Credit: Imago)

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray start for Tottenham

Frank was always expected to make a tactical change to give Tottenham a better chance of dominating against Burnley.

However, it was always assumed that Dominic Solanke would take the place of Richarlison. The Englishman had 12 goal contributions in the Premier League last season, and it was hoped he'd give the Lilywhites a similar boost on Saturday.

Ricarlison is now set to start for Spurs. But he is not the only surprise of the afternoon.

In the official lineup shared on Tottenham's social media sites, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall start as Frank's midfield pivot. The decision sees both Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur benched after starting against PSG in the final.

  • Spurs' backline remains unchanged from the Super Cup final
  • Brennan Johnson also starts for Tottenham despite an inconsistent pre-season
  • Pape Matar Sarr and Mohammed Kudus retain their starting spots

This no doubt comes as a huge shock for fans who were convinced that Frank had decided on his main midfield layout. While fatigue could be behind the Dane's change, Spurs supporters will feel a little more uncertain heading into the match.

How will Begvall and Gray perform together?

Last season in the Premier League, Bergvall and Gray started 8 matches together under Ange Postecoglou.

However, it was only during Spurs' 5-1 defeat to Liverpool that both were present in the midfield. Gray was used as a full-back and at times centre-back in their other performances together.

As a result, it is difficult to predict how they will perform together. However, both players have qualities that complement each other well. The defensive prowess displayed by Gray could balance out the more attacking instincts of Bergvall.

Either way, Tottenham fans should expect to see this pairing more often this season.

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Thomas Frank
Archie Gray
Lucas Bergvall
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