Three major decisions Thomas Frank must make ahead of Tottenham’s clash with Arsenal.
Tottenham are set for the biggest challenge of Thomas Frank’s tenure so far when they take on Arsenal on Sunday.
The north London derby arrives with the Gunners sitting four points clear at the top of the Premier League and aiming for a fourth consecutive victory over Spurs.
Despite that, Frank’s team boast the league’s strongest away record, remain unbeaten on their travels, and claimed a standout win at Manchester City earlier in the season.
Frank has frequently adjusted his lineup from game to game—sometimes, according to critics, too often. The main concern has been that he focuses more on stopping opponents than highlighting Spurs’ own strengths.
With that in mind, these are the three major selection decisions he must weigh up for the trip to the Emirates:
Udogie vs Spence
Tottenham’s most cohesive attacking performances this season have typically come with Destiny Udogie at left-back.
He was instrumental in the win over Copenhagen before the international break, linking well with Wilson Odobert and Xavi Simons—an understanding the trio also showed in the victory over Leeds in October. His left-footed profile gives Spurs natural width and an overlapping threat, helping create inside spaces.
Udogie also made a big impact off the bench against Manchester United, almost inspiring a comeback.
While he offers far more going forward than Djed Spence, the question in a match like this is whether he provides enough defensively.
Spence is excellent in one-on-one situations, something that will be vital against Bukayo Saka, who Arsenal will look to use constantly.
Given the demands of this fixture, it may be a day better suited to Spence.
Johnson vs Odobert
Brennan Johnson has not been a regular starter this season, but he still has four goals. Last season’s top scorer has a knack for finding the right areas and is arguably Spurs’ most reliable finisher when running through on goal.
However, the concern is whether he offers enough outside of scoring.
Wilson Odobert, meanwhile, is a greater threat with the ball at his feet and more able to create something out of nothing. He is more direct and more willing to take on defenders, even though he has found the net only once this season.
Assuming Mohammed Kudus starts on the right, Frank’s choice on the left will likely be between Johnson and Odobert—unless he opts for a back five. Odobert’s recent performances suggest he merits another opportunity.
Tel vs Richarlison
Frank will be without Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani for the derby.
There is a possibility of reverting to the 3-5-2 used against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, which could see Kudus deployed centrally. Even so, it is likely only one of Richarlison or Mathys Tel will make the starting XI.
Based on current form, Tel deserves the nod. While he may find the physical battle against Arsenal’s centre-backs challenging, he offers more energy than Richarlison.
Richarlison began the season strongly but his form has dipped significantly. He has looked fatigued and unconvincing in front of goal and has too often gone to ground instead of holding up play.
Tel is not a traditional focal point but brings greater dynamism and has a natural combination with Odobert, with the pair able to rotate positions. He scored a well-taken goal against Manchester United and added another for France’s Under-21 side during the break, boosting his confidence.
