James Maddison in a Tottenham shirt and Roberto De Zerbi

James Maddison and Roberto De ZerbiManh Tung, Breaking Media

Tottenham predicted XI vs Hoffenheim: James Maddison starts as exit-linked Mikey Moore axed

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Published on:

13 Aug 2026, 11:21 am

Tottenham Hotspur will face off against Hoffenheim in the first of a weekend double-header with the Bundesliga outfit on Saturday.

With Spurs cranking up preparations for the new Premier League campaign, they will play their German opponents twice to get minutes for as many players as possible.

The first of those clashes takes place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, with a kick-off of 3pm UK time.

Saturday's clash is a chance to play in front of supporters, with Sunday's game taking place behind closed doors at Hotspur Way.

Roberto De Zerbi's side played a similar behind-close-doors fixture against Getafe last week, which finished 1-1 in a 70-minute game.

Tottenham News has predicted two changes from that clash, in a fluid 4-3-3 system.

Marcos Senesi to get the nod for Tottenham vs Hoffenheim

Pedro Porro and Djed Spence only returned to training this week following their break after the World Cup.

As such, Archie Gray could get the nod to continue at right-back, having won two tackles and five of six ground duels against Getafe, with Antonin Kinsky retaining the gloves in goal.

Jan Paul van Hecke might continue at centre-back, while the first change might be see fellow new boy Marcos Senesi play in place of Ben Davies.

Andy Robertson made three key passes, created one big chance, and was accurate with three of four attempted crosses versus Getafe and Roberto De Zerbi may want to give him another run out at left-back.

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Exit-linked Mikey Moore to miss out as James Maddison finally features

It is no secret that De Zerbi is desperate to add some attackers to his squad before the new season.

But with nothing looking particularly imminent, he could opt to go for a midfield three, then have two forward players supporting a central striker.

As such, Sandro Tonali might get his first run out at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a Spurs shirt, with the Italian having a 93 per cent pass success rate against Getafe.

Conor Gallagher has been playing as a '10', and could continue though it might be plays deeper alongside Lucas Bergvall.

The second change is the return of James Maddison, who has been back in training after not featuring so far.

It would be a huge boost to see the attacking midfielder involved here.

Mikey Moore played against Getafe had an 86 per cent pass accuracy rate in the opposition half, but given he could head out on loan soon he might not feature here.

Richarlison is likely to keep his place up top in a central striker role.

Conor Gallagher