Tottenham lineup: how to predict the starting XI and what to expect

Want a good read on Tottenham’s likely starting XI? Pick up a few simple clues—injury updates, training photos, the manager’s rotation pattern—and you can make a solid call before the teamsheet drops. Below I’ll show the fastest ways to guess the lineup, then give two realistic formation templates with sample players you’ll often see chosen.

How to read the team news and predict the Spurs starting XI

Check three things first: the injury list, manager quotes at the press conference, and any first-team training snaps. If a key attacker is carrying a knock, expect the coach to shift formation or start a direct replacement. Fixture congestion (cup games, European nights) pushes more rotation — younger players and bench regulars get minutes.

Think in pairs: who controls the midfield pivot and who provides width. Managers pick one defensive midfielder to protect the back four and another to carry the ball forward. On the wings, availability of fit wide forwards determines whether the side plays with overlapping full-backs or stays narrow and compact.

Also watch set-piece roles. If a dead-ball specialist is in the squad, they almost always start. That single clue tells you a lot about how the coach will try to win tight games.

Two likely Spurs setups and sample lineups

4-2-3-1 (attack-first): This is the go-to when Spurs want control and a clear number nine. A sample XI might look like: GK Hugo Lloris; RB Emerson Royal, CB Cristian Romero, CB Micky van de Ven, LB Ben Davies; CDM Yves Bissouma, CM Rodrigo Bentancur; RW Heung-min Son, CAM James Maddison, LW Bryan Gil (or similar); ST Richarlison. This shape gives balance: double pivot screens the defence while three attacking mids create chances.

3-4-2-1 / 3-4-3 (press and wing-backs): Used against weaker teams to overload flanks. Sample XI: GK Hugo Lloris; CB trio with Romero and Van de Ven; wing-backs push high; central midfield with a ball-winner and a creator; Son and Maddison support a single striker. This setup asks wing-backs to cover huge ground and isolates the opposing full-backs.

Bench pick tips: expect at least one fresh striker if fixtures pile up, a creative sub to change the tempo, and a defensive midfielder to close games out. If you’re choosing fantasy teams, keep one spot for a versatile sub who plays both wing and central roles.

Final quick checks before kick-off: starting XI tweets from reliable club accounts, late injury reports 90 minutes before kick-off, and the manager’s final comments in the tunnel. Use those, plus the templates above, and you’ll be predicting Tottenham lineups like someone who watches every training session.

If you want the latest confirmed XI, check our match previews and live updates on the site—we post the official teams when they’re released.