Thomas Frank Makes Crucial Selection Decisions Before Brighton Win

Thomas Frank, Tottenham Hotspur manager has a long list of crucial selection choices to make as his team gets ready to take a strenuous trip to Brighton in the Premier League. Spurs have started with a good run under Frank as they have won 4 of their first five matches in the league. It is on a high after a 3-0 win at West Ham and a 1-0 win against Villarreal in the Champions League which was of a tight margin, but crucial. The confidence may increase and the decisions that Frank makes on the weekend may determine how Spurs continue their early-season performances.

Midfield Balance

The midfield is one of the largest dilemmas in which Frank finds himself. Joao Palhinha, who had been signed to provide defensive steel is trying to secure a starting position with Rodrigo Bentancur. This would however probably result in either Pape Matar Sarr or rising star Lucas Bergvall dropping out. Sarr has been consistent yet you simply cannot ignore Bergvall as he has delivered two back-to-back man of the match performances. This will require Frank to compromise between experience and present form when making a decision on who to partner with Bentancur.

Defensive Choices

In defence, Destiny Udogie is speculated to start his first game of the season. The back line of Spurs has been quite good and the central defence partnership between Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero has worked effectively. Pedro Porro is likely to continue playing on the right, and Djed Spence can be included at left-back as Udogie might not be fit enough to play.

Attacking Options

Another difficult choice is made in the forward line. The fitness of Randal Kolo Muani is doubtful and Frank has a dilemma whether Brennan Johnson must begin to counterattack Brighton by taking advantage of the high defensive line. Meanwhile, Richarlison will be upfront supported by Mohammed Kudus, Bergvall, and youngster Xavi Simons in the trio.

Predicted Formation

It is probable that Frank will keep with his favorite 4-2-3-1 formation:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kudus, Bergvall, Xavi; Richarlison.

Rotation Plans

The Carabao Cup tie during the midweek would mean that Frank has to involve rotation but is likely to play his best available XI at the Amex. Freshness and form will be the two factors to consider, as Spurs seek to continue their impressive run and cement their spot at the top half of the table.