Virtual ever-present among three Tottenham players surely facing the axe vs Slavia Prague
Tottenham take on Slavia Prague in the Champions League on 9 December as they look to build up some momentum following a draw and a win in their last two matches.
Spurs beat Brentford 2-0 on 6 December, marking their first win in six matches in all competitions in what has been a turbulent time for Thomas Frank.
Cristian Romero was perhaps lucky to not receive a red card against Brentford after he scissor tackled Tottenham target Igor Thiago in the victory.
Ahead of an important Champions League clash against Slavia Prague, Football Insider considers the three players the Dane should consider dropping from his starting XI amid a congested fixture run.
Randal Kolo Muani
In recent matches, the Frenchman has begun to find his feet in north London after scoring twice against PSG in the last European outing.
Although, the striker is still on the hunt for his first Premier League goal, in what has been a difficult spell with the Lilywhites on loan.
However, Frank will be concerned about Randal Kolo Muani’s injury against Brentford, as the forward was seen limping off in the 74th minute.
Given the sheer amount of fixtures Spurs will be enduring over the winter period, it may be wise to rest the number 39 in the midweek with the hope he will be able to return to play against Nottingham Forest on 14 December.
Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro has been one of the regulars on the ex-Bees manager’s team sheet this season, appearing a whopping 23 times in all competitions.
Due to limited options at full-back, the Spaniard has had a more intense work rate than his peers, which has seen him cover every blade of grass this season for Tottenham.
Yet, given the likelihood Spurs should be able to breeze past Slavia Prague, Frank may see the game as the ideal time to drop Porro to the bench.
The versatile Djed Spence and Archie Gray would both be more than comfortable filling in at right-back.
Rodrigo Bentancur
Similar to the Spain international, Frank will likely see the match-up against the Czech outfit as the right moment to give Rodrigo Bentancur a break.
The Uruguayan has been one of the key engines in the Tottenham midfield this season, yet his energy will be required during the busy period of December and January.
On the bench in the victory against the Bees, Joao Palhinha will be expected to come back in to the starting XI in the Champions League.
The Portuguese has been one of the best at cutting out counterattacks and stopping attackers in their tracks in the middle of the park and his expertise will be needed again.