Other absentees…
Eric Dier, deployed at centre-back since his arrival from Bayern Munich, can’t help make Pocognoli’s back three a reality due to an injury of his own. Even first-choice goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky is unavailable at the moment. “We look at the last game they played and then a lot of games from Union,” said Thomas Frank yesterday, on trying to work out what to expect from a side with a new boss. “We have, I think, a good idea of what they want.” Pocognoli went with a 4-2-3-1 system for the weekend 1-1 draw at Angers, conceding an equaliser five minutes from time – but the match provided a reminder of the attacking threats they possess.
Monaco’s forward options…
Right-winger Maghnes Akliouche is a major threat cutting in on to his left foot to shoot. The 23-year-old came to the fore after his excellent winning goal against Barcelona last season doing just that – and has since broken into the France squad. They have two former Arsenal strikers on their books too – London-born Danish international Mika Biereth scored 13 times in 19 games last season after joining in January and relishes the physical side of the game. Folarin Balogun, meanwhile, came on at the weekend to collect a pass between centre-back and full-back to thump home the opening goal against Angers. There’s also Ansu Fati who, despite a challenging Brighton loan in 23/24, has shone with six goals in six games – mostly as a sub (321 minutes of football) as he works his way up to full fitness.
Spurs selection…
Given Monaco’s midfield issues, with full-back Jordan Teze starting as one of the holding two at the weekend, it will be interesting to see how Thomas Frank makes up his side tonight. Sarr and Lucas Bergvall may well be pushing for starts to freshen things up after both were used substitutes in the Villa defeat. Randal Kolo Muani made his Premier League debut at the weekend as he continues to return from a dead leg – and, as a player with great Ligue 1 experience with PSG and Nantes, it could be a good stage for him to get more minutes. There will have to be a change up front with Mathys Tel unavailable in the Champions League – a chance that could be taken up by Richarlison. At the back, however, there is less room for manoeuvring – with Cristian Romero, Ben Davies and Destiny Udogie joining Radu Dragusin and Kota Takai on the absentee list.
Watch | Thomas Frank and Kevin Danso pre-match in Monaco…
