Maddison tipped for Tottenham midfield reset against Coventry

Tottenham have scored three goals in six Premier League games, and the proposed answer for Monday is a midfield built to keep the ball: James Maddison, Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. It is a suggested XI from Spurs Web, not a team selection confirmed by Roberto De Zerbi.

Spurs are 19th with three points, having drawn three and lost three without a league win. Their latest result was a 1-1 draw with Manchester United. They started brightly, but Spurs Web’s analysis says poor finishing again prevented them from making that start count.

Rodrigo Bentancur’s red card rules him out against Coventry. Conor Gallagher and Lucas Bergvall started in midfield against United; the analysis says De Zerbi chose them for their pressing and ability to cover ground. Gallagher has no goals or assists in his one league appearance this season. The proposed switch is toward players who can help Tottenham control possession: Fernandes has yet to get a proper run in the side, while Maddison came off the bench against United and is expected to be fit to start after the nine-day gap between fixtures. Tonali is also credited with the pace and work rate to cover ground.

There may be changes behind them. The suggested back line includes goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, Micky van de Ven and Jan Paul van Hecke. Van de Ven was on the bench against United while nursing a wrist injury, but the analysis expects him to be ready to replace Marcos Senesi. Pedro Porro could return at right-back if fit; De Zerbi has said he is not far from a comeback. Archie Gray deputised against United and was described as capable, but Porro would bring more creativity on the flank.

At left-back, Spurs Web favours Destiny Udogie over Andy Robertson. Robertson missed the United match and is expected to be an option. The analysis says he leads in attacking measures, while Udogie is the more rounded choice. It recommends keeping the same starting forward trio as against United, with Savio on the left.

Coventry are 14th on six points and arrive after consecutive wins over Nottingham Forest and Newcastle, including a 4-1 victory over the Magpies. That makes this more than a routine opportunity for a bottom-three side: Tottenham need to turn possession and chances into a first league win, while facing opponents coming off two strong results. The suggested midfield changes address that problem directly.