Tottenham Hotspur's pre-season preparations are underway, and the team is gearing up for their first friendly match against MK Dons behind closed doors. With a host of new signings and players returning from injury, manager Roberto De Zerbi has a challenging task ahead of him to shape his squad for the upcoming Premier League campaign. The match against MK Dons will provide an opportunity for De Zerbi to assess his team's progress and make strategic decisions.
One of the most anticipated debuts is that of Sandro Tonali, who has been a key addition to the squad this summer. Tonali's potential minutes may be limited, however, due to his late start to pre-season training caused by work permit issues. Fellow new signing Mateus Fernandes is also in line for a debut, adding further depth to Tottenham's midfield and attacking options.
The squad is a mix of established players and fresh talent. Martin Dubravka has been training with the team, but those who participated in the World Cup, such as Jan Paul van Hecke and Andy Robertson, have yet to join their teammates. Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, and Marcos Senesi are also taking extended breaks after the World Cup final, ensuring they are fully rested for the new season.
Several players are on the comeback trail following injuries. Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert are still recovering from ACL issues, while Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski are working their way back to full fitness after serious injuries. Mikey Moore, who had an impressive loan spell at Rangers, has been involved with the first-team squad and could get minutes against MK Dons as De Zerbi evaluates his future.
Academy player Jamie Donley has also impressed De Zerbi and is likely to get some game time. De Zerbi's approach to the match is expected to be heavy rotation, allowing every player to gain some match practice. The predicted starting lineup, as suggested by Standard Sport, includes a mix of experienced and young players, with Kinsky, Takai, Phillips, Davies, Udogie, Fernandes, Tonali, Yang, Donley, Tel, and Solanke all potentially featuring.
The match against MK Dons will be a crucial step in Tottenham's pre-season preparations, providing an early indication of the team's shape and potential for the upcoming season. With so many new faces and players returning from injury, De Zerbi's decisions will be pivotal in shaping Tottenham's future success.
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