Tottenham are set to begin their Premier League season with a trip to Brentford on Saturday evening, as Roberto De Zerbi's new era gets under way at the Gtech Community Stadium.
After spending £237million on six new players this summer, expectations are high as Spurs look to move on from back-to-back 17th-place finishes. An unbeaten pre-season has helped build momentum, but fitness problems continue to affect the squad.
Fitness concerns ahead of opener
James Maddison remains a doubt after only playing his first minutes of pre-season in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Hoffenheim on Sunday, as he continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Destiny Udogie and Micky van de Ven have not played a single minute during pre-season, with Udogie being managed after muscular issues. Dominic Solanke is also a doubt, with De Zerbi reluctant to rush him back after he missed most of last season with ankle and hamstring injuries.
New signings and selection dilemmas
De Zerbi faces a decision over whether to risk £85million signing Mateus Fernandes, who has been in and out of the side with calf fatigue. Pedro Porro only returned to training last week after helping Spain win the World Cup.
Mohammed Kudus has not played since January after a serious quad injury, making it unlikely he will be thrown straight in. Spurs are short on the right wing but hope to sign Manchester City's Savinho, who was left out of their Community Shield squad.
Long-term absentees and behind-the-scenes changes
Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert and Dejan Kulusevski are progressing but remain some way from a return. Spurs have begun changes behind the scenes, including revamping the gym and personalised player care, but those results will not be immediate.
Predicted Tottenham XI to face Brentford (4-2-3-1): Kinsky; Gray, Van Hecke, Senesi, Robertson; Fernandes, Tonali; Savinho, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison.
