In Tottenham Hotspur's third game of the 2024-25 Premier League season against Newcastle United on Sunday, boss Ange Postecoglou could name an unchanged backline from the team that comfortably beat Everton last time out on August 24.
As such, expect Guglielmo Vicario to be shielded by Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.
Udogie was substituted for Djed Spence in the 73rd minute against Everton, but Postecoglou confirmed that the left-back was just sore rather than injured.
In midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur could make an appearance given his recent return from injury, though he is unlikely to start on Sunday ahead of Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma or James Maddison.
Dejan Kulusevski started in midfield against Everton and though he is comfortable in deeper zones, it would be surprising if Postecoglou selected both Maddison and Kulusevski to start either side of Bissouma considering how dangerous Newcastle can be during counter-attacks.
In the forward line, summer signing Dominic Solanke is unavailable for selection for the second consecutive matchweek, while Richarlison is set to be sidelined for a number of weeks due to an injury he picked up in training.
Son Heung-Min is certain to start, although he may be forced to play as a striker due to the absence of both Solanke and Richarlison.
Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert started last time out against Everton, and given how well Spurs performed in that match, the pair could be given the nod ahead of the likes of Timo Werner.
Tottenham possible starting lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison; Johnson, Son, Odobert
> Click here to see how Newcastle could line up for this fixture
Lewis Nolan
