Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur vs Nottingham Forest: Premier League Clash Set for Rotation and Opportunity

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League duty tonight at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they host Nottingham Forest following their midweek triumph in the Europa League. A place in the semi-finals of European competition is no small feat, but it comes at a cost—both physical and strategic—as Ange Postecoglou weighs up “five or six” changes to his starting XI.

Managing a squad deep into April is as much about physical preservation as tactical nuance, and Postecoglou is no stranger to the balancing act. With injuries to key players and tired legs to consider, this Premier League fixture may become a test of depth as much as form.

Rotation Expected After European Glory

Spurs’ 3-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday was emblematic of Postecoglou’s vision finally taking shape—fluid football, aggressive pressing, and players willing to buy into his philosophy. But even with the feel-good factor back in north London, this Premier League tie with Nottingham Forest demands recalibration.

Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso, and Richarlison are all back in contention after recovering from injuries. Kulusevski looks set to replace James Maddison in the No10 role, with the England playmaker a doubt due to soreness following a heavy collision in Frankfurt. Postecoglou didn’t mince words when he said changes were coming: “five or six,” to be precise.

Photo IMAGO

Richarlison, who has been gradually reintroduced, may spearhead the attack in place of Dominic Solanke, who looked fatigued after a relentless European outing. Danso, used sparingly in Germany, is pushing for a place in central defence, while Archie Gray and Djed Spence are likely to be given minutes in the full-back roles. With Cristian Romero earmarked for a rest, Ben Davies or Micky van de Ven are plausible alternatives in central defence.

Midfield Competition Heating Up

The midfield conundrum is a curious one. Lucas Bergvall impressed last time out, but Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are both in contention to start. Postecoglou must decide whether to reward form or freshness. The decision could define how Spurs approach the tempo of the match against a Forest side that has shown resilience even in adversity.

Heung-min Son remains sidelined with a foot injury, and Wilson Odobert’s minutes are being carefully managed. As a result, Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson may retain their roles in the wide attacking areas. Timo Werner and Mikey Moore also offer rotation possibilities off the bench.

Photo: IMAGO

Forest Hoping to Exploit Changes

Nottingham Forest arrive in north London knowing this is a chance. A heavily rotated Tottenham Hotspur side, possibly without Maddison and Son, offers vulnerabilities. Forest’s season has been one of fits and starts, but in the Premier League, such moments often decide campaigns.

Tottenham, however, will still carry the expectation. They are not just playing for league points but also for momentum ahead of a pivotal month. With European aspirations alive, squad depth will be tested—and so too will the mettle of fringe players eyeing more regular inclusion.

The clash kicks off at 8pm BST and will be shown live on Sky Sports. For Tottenham Hotspur, it’s a chance to consolidate their Premier League standing while preparing for even bigger battles ahead. For Nottingham Forest, it’s a potential upset and a path to survival.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3)

Vicario; Gray, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Kulusevski; Johnson, Tel, Richarlison

Injured: Son, DragusinDoubt: Maddison

Kick-off: Monday 21 April 2025, 8pm BSTVenue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, LondonBroadcast: Sky Sports