Tottenham aims for their first Premier League win of 2026 against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
After a 4-1 loss in the North London derby, Igor Tudor acknowledged that Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are in “totally different worlds.”
Tudor needs to find a way to break the team’s poor form. Following the defeat to Arsenal, he expects a strong reaction from his players against Fulham.
Igor Tudor confirmed that Pedro Porro and Kevin Danso are fit and will join the squad for the match against Fulham. This is a significant boost for Spurs, who have faced injury issues recently. Their return should help strengthen the defense and allow Joao Palhinha to play in his preferred midfield role.
John Wenham predicts Archie Gray will be left out against Fulham
Tudor has often used a three-man defense in his coaching career, including in the match against Arsenal. Archie Gray played as a right wing-back but struggled during the game.
Now that Porro is back, podcaster John Wenham believes he will replace Gray in the starting lineup.
“The Arsenal game was tough. Playing them this season is a challenge for any team,” Wenham said. “Against Fulham, with Porro and Danso back, I expect both to start.”
“I anticipate a lineup starting with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, a back three of Danso, Micky van de Ven, and Radu Dragusin. Although Dragusin hasn’t been at his best, he should play as a natural center-back.”
“Porro will be at right wing-back, Spence on the left, with Conor Gallagher and Joao Palhinha in midfield, potentially alongside Xavi Simons. Up front, I see Dominic Solanke and Randal Kolo Muani, who scored a good goal against Arsenal.”
Gray may be an effective substitute
Gray has shown he can play in various positions, including as a solid right-sided center-back. However, he had difficulty performing as a wing-back against Arsenal.
Porro and Danso are likely to start, with Porro at wing-back and Danso in defense. Porro is more attacking and better suited for the wing-back role than Gray. Nevertheless, Gray could come off the bench in defense or at wing-back and should make the most of any chance he gets.