Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank has announced his starting lineup for the Premier League clash against Sunderland on Sunday afternoon, making two significant changes to the team. Notably, Ben Davies will be making his first start of the season, as Spurs look to vibrantly rebound from a lackluster performance in their recent draw with Brentford, which left fans expressing their dissatisfaction.
The draw saw the visiting Tottenham supporters chant “boring, boring Tottenham” as they confronted the team’s defensive style, leading to boos directed at Frank as he acknowledged the crowd post-match. Realizing the necessity for a more dynamic display at their home ground, Frank has opted for a more forward-thinking strategy, moving away from the conservative partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha in midfield.
With Xavi Simons suspended and unable to contribute, Frank has made tactical adjustments; Mohammed Kudus is expected to take on a more central role, allowing Archie Gray to pair with Bentancur. The departure of Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace for £35 million has also necessitated changes, with Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel positioned to support Richarlison on the attack.
Additionally, the decision to start Davies at left-back takes advantage of his experience, especially considering the heavy workload of Tottenham’s main full-backs. Young prospect Luca Williams-Barnett will be among the substitutes, signaling a blend of youth and experience in the squad.
The confirmed lineup for the match is as follows: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Davies; Bentancur, Gray; Tel, Kudus, Odobert; Richarlison. The bench will include Kinsky, Dragusin, Danso, Palhinha, Bergvall, Spence, Kolo Muani, Scarlett, and Williams-Barnett.
As Tottenham seeks to turn the tide following a challenging start to the year, the hope is that this new formation and lineup will reignite the team’s attacking flair and elevate their performance in front of the home crowd.