The Tottenham Hotspur lineup for their New Year's Day clash against Brentford is in, and it's a mix of good news and intriguing decisions. Thomas Frank's team selection has the potential to divide opinions.
First, the good news: Captain Cristian Romero returns to the starting XI after serving his suspension, providing a much-needed boost to the defense. But here's the catch: Romero's FA charge for his red card incident against Liverpool could result in a future ban, leaving Spurs with a potential leadership void in the heart of their defense.
Xavi Simons remains suspended, serving the second game of his three-match ban, while several key players are still unavailable due to injury or the Africa Cup of Nations. This includes Dejan Kulusevski, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison, Pape Matar Sarr, and Yves Bissouma.
Now, the controversial part: Brennan Johnson, a talented young winger, is not even in the squad. This comes as a surprise, as Johnson has been informed by the club that he is not in their future plans, and he's undergoing a medical ahead of a potential £33.5 million move to Crystal Palace. Is this a case of a club rushing to offload a player, or is there more to the story?
In Johnson's absence, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur start in midfield, with Archie Gray pushing forward into an attacking role. Gray's header secured the win against Crystal Palace, so his advanced position could be a tactical masterstroke or a risky move.
Lucas Bergvall's injury means Wilson Odobert gets the nod, replacing Randal Kolo Muani. Kevin Danso, despite his impressive performance last time out, makes way for Romero. Callum Olusesi, a young talent, takes a spot on the bench.
What's your take on Tottenham's lineup? Are you surprised by Johnson's exclusion? Do you think Gray will shine in his new role? Share your thoughts below, and let's spark a lively discussion on Frank's team selection!
