The anticipation surrounding Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Craven Cottage is reaching a fever pitch as the club desperately searches for a way to break its dismal run of form in 2026. Following a bruising 4-1 defeat in the North London derby, the pressure is squarely on Igor Tudor to prove that his appointment can spark the much-needed “new manager bounce” that was conspicuously absent in his debut.
The task is far from simple; Fulham has already managed to best Spurs this season, and the short trip across the capital presents a unique set of challenges. However, with several key defensive reinforcements returning to full fitness, there is a renewed sense of tactical structure beginning to emerge within the squad.
In goal, Guglielmo Vicario is almost certain to retain his position. While the four goals conceded against Arsenal make for grim reading, the Italian international could hardly be blamed for the clinical nature of the strikes he faced.
Tudor’s defensive philosophy relies heavily on a goalkeeper who can communicate effectively with a back three, and despite recent rumors regarding a potential summer exit, Vicario remains the most qualified man for the job in the immediate fight for survival.
The most significant changes are expected in the heart of the defense. Kevin Danso has been pictured back in full training at Hotspur Way, and his return could not be better timed.
The Austrian’s physical presence has been sorely missed, and we expect him to be thrown straight back into the starting eleven to provide the leadership and positional awareness that evaporated during the second half of the derby.
He will likely be flanked by Radu Dragusin, who, despite a shaky performance last weekend, remains one of the few viable options while Cristian Romero continues to serve his suspension. Completing the defensive trio is Micky van de Ven.
Despite social media footage suggesting some friction between the Dutchman and his new manager regarding tactical instructions, his recovery speed is an asset that Tudor simply cannot afford to leave on the bench against a mobile Fulham attack.
The wing-back positions will see a welcome return to familiarity. Pedro Porro’s recovery from a hamstring injury is a massive boost for the club’s offensive output. His ability to stretch the pitch and deliver dangerous crosses has been a missing ingredient in recent weeks.
His return allows Archie Gray to vacate the right-back role, where the youngster worked tirelessly but occasionally looked out of his natural element. On the opposite flank, Djed Spence is expected to continue his run in the side. With Destiny Udogie still sidelined, Spence’s pace and willingness to drive at defenders will be crucial in transition, especially as Tudor looks to exploit the spaces behind Fulham’s advancing full-backs.
The midfield configuration is perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Tudor’s predicted lineup. Joao Palhinha had a difficult outing as a makeshift center-back against Arsenal, but he is expected to be restored to his natural home in the “pivot” role.
Playing against his former club, Palhinha will have an extra point to prove, providing the defensive screen that the backline so desperately needs. Partnering him in the middle, we anticipate a start for Archie Gray.
While Gray has been used as a defensive utility man lately, his best work often comes in the engine room where his energy and tenacity can disrupt the opposition’s rhythm. This pairing would offer a level of grit and mobility that has been lacking in Spurs’ recent league outings.
Higher up the pitch, the creative responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Xavi Simons and Pape Matar Sarr. Simons was frustrated during the derby, losing possession more than any other player on the pitch, but his technical ceiling remains the highest in the squad.
Tudor will likely give him the freedom to operate in the “number 10” pockets to find the final pass. Alongside him, Sarr could replace Conor Gallagher in a slightly more advanced role. Sarr’s ability to make late runs into the box and his impressive “gas tank” make him an ideal candidate to press from the front and support the lone striker.
| Predicted Tottenham Starting XI | Position |
| Guglielmo Vicario | Goalkeeper |
| Kevin Danso | Centre-back (Right) |
| Radu Dragusin | Centre-back (Middle) |
| Micky van de Ven | Centre-back (Left) |
| Pedro Porro | Right Wing-back |
| Joao Palhinha | Central Midfield (Pivot) |
| Archie Gray | Central Midfield (Pivot) |
| Djed Spence | Left Wing-back |
| Xavi Simons | Attacking Midfield (No. 10) |
| Pape Matar Sarr | Attacking Midfield (No. 10) |
| Dominic Solanke | Striker |
The final question remains who will lead the line. Randal Kolo Muani took his chance well with a goal against Arsenal, but Tudor is still in the “evaluation phase” of his tenure. Dominic Solanke offers a different physical profile—one that might be more suited to battling Fulham’s robust center-backs and holding the ball up to bring the creative midfielders into play.
We expect Solanke to be given the nod on Sunday, acting as the focal point for a team that is under immense pressure to deliver its first three points of the year. If this predicted eleven can find their chemistry early, it might finally be the spark that ignites the Tudor era.
