Tottenham predicted lineup vs Eintracht Frankfurt - Europa League

Tottenham Hotspur return to Europa League action on Thursday evening when they welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to north London for the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Spurs are aiming to end their 17-year trophy drought by winning Europe's second most prestigious competition this season. Claiming the title would not only end their agonising 17-year wait for silverware but also secure a place in next season's Champions League.

However, Tottenham were far from convincing in their last 16 victory over AZ Alkmaar and must avoid complacency against a Frankfurt side exceeding expectations this term under Dino Toppmoller.

Here is how the Lilywhites could line up on Thursday.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2-3-1)

GK: Guglielmo Vicario - Vicario will come up against one of Europe's most devastating centre-forwards this season in former Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike. He's managed 19 goals in all competition and will be certain to test the Spurs stopper.

RB: Pedro Porro - It's been a far from flawless season for Porro, whose defensive deficiences have been exposed too regularly. However, he remains crucial to Tottenham's attack with expert distribution.

CB: Cristian Romero - Romero has been iffy for club and country since his return from injury and will be exposed by the towering Ekitike should he fail to raise his levels on Thursday.

CB: Micky van de Ven - Given a valuable rest during the weekend win over Southampton, Van de Ven will return to the starting lineup to partner Romero. The Dutchman's speed will be key in stifling Frankfurt's counter-attacking threat.

LB: Djed Spence - Spence has kept Destiny Udogie and Porro out of the team in recent weeks, with the versatile full-back irreplaceable given his impressive current form.

CM: Lucas Bergvall - A lengthy five-minute VAR check denied Bergvall his first Premier League goal at the weekend but the 19-year-old has done enough to earn another start in the engine room.

CM: Rodrigo Bentancur - Bentancur and Bergvall will have to be in constant communication to stop former Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund star Mario Gotze from unlocking the Spurs rearguard.

RW: Brennan Johnson - Wilson Odobert scored twice against AZ as Spurs booked passage into the last eight but Johnson's brace against the Saints could see the Wales international retain his place.

AM: James Maddison - With Dejan Kulusevski still sidelined through injury, Maddison's creativity will be key in slicing Frankfurt open. The Englishman has managed six goal contributions in his last ten outings.

LW: Son Heung-min - Son is now six games without scoring for Spurs and South Korea, with his influence waning as his legs tire. But the 32-year-old can still be exceptionally sharp when at his best.

ST: Dominic Solanke - Almost a third of Solanke's goals and assists have come in the Europa League this term and he will be desperate to fire Spurs into the semis across the next week.

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