Thomas Frank axes exit-linked star in four changes – Tottenham predicted XI vs PSG
Thomas Frank will be hoping to make a statement against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday.
Tottenham were not the favourites to win against Arsenal, but it goes without saying that fans were not expecting to lose in that fashion.
Indeed, Tottenham suffered a humiliating 4-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, and it was written in the stars that Spurs’ former summer target Eberechi Eze would claim a hat-trick.
Just three months into the season, supporters are nearing their breaking point, and Frank will need to do something special against PSG at the Parc des Princes to stand a chance at earning back their trust.
Xavi Simons starts after dreadful Rodrigo Bentancur performance vs Arsenal
Djed Spence was the best out of a bad bunch against Arsenal, but he will likely lose his spot to Pedro Porro against PSG.
- Spence won 50 per cent of his ground duels
- He won 100 per cent of his aerial duels
- He won 100 per cent of his tackles
However, Frank will likely want a left-footed player to start as left-back against the French side, which would see Destiny Udogie retain his place.
Kevin Danso will likely be dropped with the Dane reverting to a traditional 4-3-3 formation.
This would see Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero all start against the Parisiens.
Rodrigo Bentancur started for Tottenham against Arsenal in a performance that was arguably his worst of the season.
- The Uruguay international was bullied in the midfield:
- He had 26 touches in 66 minutes played
- He lost possession four times
Unsurprisingly, he failed to win a single one of his four ground duels and didn’t attempt a single aerial duel, according to Sofascore.
It was a dreadful performance from beginning to end and one that should see Pape Matar Sarr start over Bentancur, with Xavi Simons also returning to the starting lineup.
Despite his wonder goal against the Gunners, Richarlison is still a player whose future in North London is uncertain. As a result, Randal Kolo Muani will likely replace the Brazilian against PSG.
The France international was cleared to play against his former side back in September, and his experience against French teams could come in handy.
Despite their uninspiring performances against Arsenal, Wilson Odobert and Mohammed Kudus could retain their spots in Frank’s starting lineup.
Thomas Frank must not make the same mistake against PSG
Frank set out similarly against PSG in the UEFA Super Cup final as he did against Arsenal on Sunday.
While both resulted in defeat, their game against Luis Enrique’s side gave Spurs supporters reason to dream.
However, as seen against Arsenal, playing five defenders will likely not work against a PSG team that is no longer burdened by a lack of pre-season.
Similar to Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup final, PSG suffer against strong attacking sides that take advantage of their fullbacks’ high positioning.
If Frank wants to win on Wednesday, he’ll need to be braver than he has been all season.
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