Frank’s plausible XI: Prepare to be disappointed

Levy’s legacy got us into this mess, and complaining about Frank is academic at best. Yes, you can be disappointed; We all are, but cackling like wet chickens won’t get you the root of anything. Today is unlikely to improve your mood.

Tottenham are 9th in the Premier League with 18 points from 12 games (5 wins, 3 draws, 4 losses), with a +6 goal difference, but plagued by inconsistency.

We have won just two of their last eight in all competitions, including a 4-1 thrashing at Arsenal on November 23 and a 5-3 defeat to PSG in the Champions League on November 26, where they conceded 11 goals in three games.

Our only home league win this season came on the opening day against Burnley; since then they have managed just five points from six home games – the second worst record in the division.

Thomas Frank is facing a defensive crisis now that vice-captain Cristian Romero is suspended (five yellows). Kevin Danso will likely partner Micky van de Ven as a central defender.

Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke will be sidelined until the end of December, but Richarlison is fit after scoring against Arsenal. Pape Matar Sarr could return from illness.

Predicted XI: deputy; Porro, Danso, van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur; Johnson, Simons, Kudus; Richarlison.

Tottenham’s front line, led by Richarlison (in red-hot form with goals in back-to-back games) and supported by Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons, will test Fulham’s solid back three. But Spurs have conceded in 80% of their last five games – expect Jimenez to take advantage of that.

João Palhinha’s tenacity for Tottenham could neutralize Fulham’s creative duo of Iwobi and Harry Wilson, but Spurs’ ‘continental fatigue’ from midweek Europe could dull their press.

Both sides are vulnerable to set pieces; Tottenham have scored from corners in three of the last five, with Fulham’s Andersen posing a threat from the air.

Fulham’s counter-attacking style under Silva suits this match, especially against Tottenham’s high line. Spurs will most likely look to add width through Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie, but their home problems (only 1.2 goals per game at the stadium) suggest a low scoreline.

The Lewis family needs to do more and give fans something to be happy about.

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