Tottenham predicted XI vs Brentford: Archie Gray ditched, three players return

Archie Gray could be axed for Tottenham's Premier League opener with Brentford on Saturday.

Roberto De Zerbi's side make the trip to the Gtech Community Stadium on 22 August, looking to start the campaign positively.

Gray has featured five times in pre-season, and was at right-back for the 3-0 win over Hoffenheim last time out as captain.

His versatility could be a key asset for the North London outfit this season, but it may also hinder him.

However, the former Leeds man may fall victim to a spate of returnees for the Lilywhites against Keith Andrews' side and get dropped.

Is James Maddison fit for Tottenham's clash with Brentford?

James Maddison's involvement will likely be the key talking point, both before and after the contest.

The Englishman did not feature across pre-season but is back in training, per Tom Barclay, and De Zerbi may choose to re-integrate him slowly.

He spent 375 days on the sidelines, before returning for the final three matches of last season.

The boss will be keen to allow him time to get back into the groove, rather than risking the new captain getting re-injured.

Therefore, he is likely to start from the bench in the contest with the West London side.

How could Tottenham line-up vs Brentford?

Antonin Kinksy goes into the new campaign as the number one between the sticks, so he is expected to start.

Pedro Porro has returned to training but has not featured at all in pre-season, due to his World Cup winning exploits with Spain.

He is still predicted to return at right-back in a backline consisting of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, with Micky van de Ven not spotted in training on Wednesday.

Sandro Tonali and Conor Gallagher might be the deeper pairing, with Mateus Fernandes coming back in the number 10 role in front of them.

De Zerbi has previously called Gray an "important player" after the Auckland friendly, but he may miss out this time around.

Mikey Moore is expected to be trusted on the right-flank after his brace against the German side, with Mathys Tel on the opposite flank.

Dominic Solanke is in training and he is predicted to return right into the deep end against the Bees, despite playing just twice in pre-season for a total of 90 minutes.

It just goes to show how desperate Spurs are for reinforcements in the final third after a busy summer so far.