Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, and Kolo Muani: Which of these players could be involved in Thomas Frank’s lineup against Aston Villa?
Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert, and Kolo Muani: Who Could Feature in Thomas Frank’s Line-Up Against Aston Villa?
Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to climb to the top of the Premier League table with a victory over Aston Villa at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Sunday.
Thomas Frank’s side has the opportunity to overtake rivals Arsenal if they can overcome Unai Emery’s Aston Villa and secure a crucial three points.
The last meeting between the two clubs came at the end of the 2024/25 season in May, where Spurs left Villa Park empty-handed after a disappointing 2-0 defeat — a result that contributed to the club parting ways with former manager Ange Postecoglou. Before that, Tottenham also suffered a 2-1 loss to Villa in the FA Cup fourth round in February, though they claimed a 4-1 home win in the corresponding league fixture.
Now under new management, Frank will be eager to stamp his authority on the team, guide Spurs to redemption, and strengthen their position among the league’s elite. A win on Sunday could see Tottenham rise above Arsenal into first place — a statement result that would further endear Frank to the club’s supporters.
Potential Starting XI
Spurs enter the clash following the international break, which brought mixed fortunes. Yves Bissouma, who appeared close to returning to full fitness, suffered another setback after being stretchered off while representing Mali. However, several others have made progress in recovery, returning to training at Hotspur Way or nearing full fitness.
Radu Dragusin has resumed training, although Frank offered no update on his match availability. Randal Kolo Muani, who recently recovered from a dead leg and featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Watford, could be in contention for a return to the squad.
Frank also spoke highly of Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert, both of whom impressed before the international break, hinting that the duo could once again feature prominently in his plans for Sunday’s encounter.
How Spurs Could Line Up
In their previous outing, Tottenham deployed Frank’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and took the lead through Tel, who finished from a Mohammed Kudus cross along the right wing. The deflected goal demonstrated the chemistry between the pair and showcased Tel’s sharpness in attack — qualities that Frank will likely rely on again.
With Dominic Solanke unavailable, Frank may opt to adjust the shape to a 3-5-2 formation, pairing Tel with another striker such as Richarlison or potentially introducing Muani later in the game. Another possibility is retaining a 4-4-2 system, using Tel and Richarlison as a front pairing to strengthen attacking options while maintaining defensive stability against Villa’s own 4-2-3-1 setup.
Frank’s tactical approach has emphasized direct, high-tempo play. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario often initiates attacks with long passes to the midfield, who then spread the ball quickly to wide areas to maintain pressure and create chances — a clear departure from the more possession-heavy, build-from-the-back style used by previous managers.
Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Frank praised Villa’s “fantastic structure” and organization but noted that Spurs’ intensity, pressing, and quality delivery into the box would be key to disrupting Emery’s side.
Current Form
Despite recent injury setbacks, Frank stated that his focus remains on “getting the best out of the squad” he currently has available. Tottenham have recorded two wins, two draws, and one defeat in their last five league matches — the same record as Aston Villa. Both teams head into this fixture on the back of 2-1 victories before the international break.
With top spot in the league potentially on the line and both sides eager to resume strongly, Sunday’s encounter promises to be a fiercely contested match.
Predicted Tottenham Line-Up:
Vicario (GK)
Porro – Romero – Van de Ven – Udogie
Palhinha – Bentancur – Kudus – Simons
Tel – Richarlison
