Tottenham’s Premier League clash against Brighton could be pivotal to their hopes of avoiding relegation.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are 18th and winless in the competition since 2026. The Seagulls, on the other hand, have won four of their last five Premier League games as they head into the game as overwhelming favourites.
With Cristian Romero, Mohammed Kudus, Wilson Odobert and a handful of others missing, Tottenham are clearly depleted.
However, two key players have returned to the matchday squad in what could be a big boost for the club.
Maddison and Bentancur return for Tottenham
De Zerbi has made a raft of changes to the squad that faced Sunderland last week.
In defense, Kevin Danso plays alongside Micky van de Ven in Romero’s absence, with the Dutch international wearing the captain’s armband.
Archie Gray, who has been Tottenham’s best player this season, has surprisingly been relegated to the bench, with Yves Bissouma, Conor Gallagher and Rodrigo Bentancur playing in midfield.
With Dominic Solanke leading the line, Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons are expected to be stationed either side of him to complete the front three, as Richarlison has to settle for a place on the bench.
Bentancur’s return to the XI could be a big boost for Tottenham, while James Maddison has made the matchday squad for the first time this season.
Tottenham fans rejoice as Maddison and Bentancur return
As always, fans have had their say on social media and it’s safe to say most of the reactions have been positive.
Posting a picture of Bentancur, @YoruguaGlobal wrote, “He is back! The climb out of the relegation zone starts now!” while @hotspurreports claimed, “No Tel and Gray? Xavi is a positive, though. COYS!”
@THFCEesa‘s post on X pretty much sums up every Tottenham fan’s emotion: “Maddison is back to football, so I am back to tweeting.”
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And finally, @KieranKyze wrote, “Bentancur & Xavi playing, rah is that really Madders [Maddison] on the bench that’s a big positive, RDZ is the 3rd manager to leave tel on the bench lol, Gallagher & Solanke I need you step up.”
De Zerbi suggested Tottenham won’t rush Maddison back, especially after Kudus’ injury setback.
However, it appears as if they’ve risked him, although he’s only on the pitch. As for Bentancur, he has been training with the team for a while now and should be ready to go.
Tottenham needed a big boost and they’ve certainly got it. As we claimed before, time to walk the walk now.
