Tottenham head to Nottingham Forest this weekend looking to build on their Champions League heroics and Igor Tudor is expected to stick with his winning formula .
Spurs shocked Atletico Madrid 3-1 in midweek, keeping their European hopes alive after a 5-2 first leg drubbing . Now attention turns back to the Premier League, where survival is the name of the game.
THE STAKES
When these two met earlier in the season, Forest won 3-0 at the City Ground . Revenge is on the cards but more importantly, three points would compound Forest’s relegation misery and give Spurs some breathing space.
With the bottom three closing in, this is a genuine six pointer.
THE PREDICTED XI
Tudor is expected to stick with the 4-4-2 that served him well against Atleti, despite the first leg disaster.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario no changes expected between the sticks.
Defence: Pedro Porro (right back), Cristian Romero (returned from concussion in midweek), Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence (left back, with Destiny Udogie still working back to full fitness).
Midfield: Mathys Tel (right wing, after impressing on the left against Atleti), Archie Gray (continued to impress, one of his finest displays in midweek), Pape Matar Sarr (partnering Gray), Xavi Simons (left wing, two goals and a man of the match display against Atletico).
Attack: Dominic Solanke (missed midweek through minor injury, expected to return), Richarlison (suspended in Europe, back for the league, scored the equaliser against Liverpool).
THE KEY MEN
Xavi Simons was the star against Atleti, grabbing two goals and looking like the player Tottenham hoped they were getting . If he can produce a similar performance against Forest, Spurs have every chance.
Archie Gray continues to impress in midfield, with his display against the Spanish giants one of his best yet . He’s becoming undroppable.
THE VERDICT
Tudor has found a shape that works. The 4-4-2 with two strikers gives Spurs an attacking threat, while the midfield pair of Gray and Sarr provides energy and balance.
Forest are desperate for points. Tottenham are desperate for revenge. At the City Ground, with survival on the line, it’s going to be a battle.
