Tottenham XI vs Sydney FC: Predicted lineup and team news for pre-season friendly

Tottenham take on Sydney FC this morning in the second match of their pre-season tour under Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs started their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Auckland FC at Eden Park last weekend, and they will be looking to make it three wins from three after also beating Milton Keynes 1-0 in a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Team news and expected changes

De Zerbi named a youthful team against Auckland as he was wary of exposing senior players to match action so quickly after a 30-hour round trip to New Zealand. Some more familiar faces are expected to take the field in Sydney, and supporters will be hoping to get a first glimpse of new signings Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Mateus Fernandes.

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Club record signing Sandro Tonali missed out against Auckland, and De Zerbi will be keen to get the £100 million man back involved as quickly as possible.

James Maddison and Destiny Udogie were both absent from the Auckland game, and De Zerbi revealed afterwards that he was unwilling to take risks with their fitness. The pair are doubts to play against Sydney and will be assessed ahead of kick-off with Tonali.

"He's not working the last five days, I think, like Udogie, but they have not a big problem, just to stay focused, don't take any risks," De Zerbi said. "For the next friendly game against Sydney, maybe we play with Tonali, with others, maybe, we've got to see."

Dominic Solanke was also not named in the matchday squad against Auckland, as De Zerbi looks to manage the minutes of those who struggled with injuries last season.

Youth opportunities and injuries

Those on extended leave from the World Cup have yet to return and won't be available until Spurs arrive back in London early next month. That means there will continue to be opportunities for younger players. Centre-back Malachi Hardy has particularly impressed, while Mikey Moore is hoping to seal a place in the first team.

Mathys Tel made a positive impact off the bench against Auckland, while strikers Dane Scarlett and Richarlison were both on the scoresheet as they look to make a case for their futures at the club.

Midfielder Jamie Donley has made a good impression on De Zerbi, but hobbled off against Auckland and headed straight down the tunnel. It is unclear how severe his injury is, but he will hope to play again before the tour ends.

Spurs take on Sydney in the first of two games as part of the Sydney Super Cup, with De Zerbi's side also set to face London rivals Chelsea this weekend.