Tottenham Clash with Villarreal: Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed
Tottenham Hotspur kick off their Champions League adventure on Tuesday evening as they host Villarreal at N17 for the first time ever.
Although these clubs have never met previously, Spurs will face several recognizable players, including former center-back Juan Foyth, along with ex-Arsenal pair Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pépé.
Their last Champions League stint concluded disappointingly under Antonio Conte's management, and despite Thomas Frank being new to this tournament, early indications show Spurs could prove troublesome for Europe's top clubs under the Danish coach's guidance.
Villarreal certainly aren't considered among the absolute elite and are also making their Champions League return after a short hiatus. Following their fifth-place La Liga finish last campaign, Marcelino's squad has begun 2025–26 encouragingly. Nevertheless, they experienced their initial loss away to Atlético Madrid on Saturday.
Spurs, conversely, recovered from their home loss to Bournemouth by defeating West Ham United 3–0.
Here is Sports Illustrated's preview for Tuesday's Champions League encounter.
What time does Tottenham vs. Villarreal Kick-Off?
Tottenham vs. Villarreal Head-to-Head Record
This marks the inaugural competitive meeting between Tottenham and Villarreal.
Current Form (All Competitions)
Tottenham | Villarreal |
|---|---|
West Ham 0–3 Tottenham - 13/09/25 | Atlético Madrid 2–0 Villarreal - 13/09/25 |
Tottenham 0–1 Bournemouth - 30/08/25 | Celta Vigo 1–1 Villarreal - 31/08/25 |
Man City 0–2 Tottenham - 23/08/25 | Tottenham 3–0 Burnley - 16/08/25 |
Tottenham 3–0 Burnley - 16/08/25 | Villarreal 5–0 Girona - 24/08/25 |
PSG 2–2 (4–3p) Tottenham - 13/08/25 | Villarreal 2–0 Real Oviedo - 15/08/25 |
How to watch Tottenham vs. Villarreal on TV
Country | Channel |
|---|---|
United States | Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, ViX |
United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video |
Canada | DAZN Canada, Amazon Prime Video |
Mexico | Max Mexico, Amazon Prime Video |
Tottenham Team News
Xavi Simons made his Tottenham bow on Saturday, featuring in the 3–0 victory and providing an assist for Pape Matar Sarr's opening goal.
The Dutch player operated on the left flank at the weekend, but might move centrally here with Frank expected to rotate his squad somewhat. Sarr, who's been excellent this season, could receive a rest.
The left side could see complete changes, with Destiny Udogie offering better balance when Spurs possess the ball compared to right-footed Djed Spence. Wilson Odobert might also receive his inaugural Champions League start.
Mathys Tel wasn't included in the squad, so Richarlison should lead the line with Dominic Solanke sidelined through injury and Randal Kolo Muani absent on Saturday. Frank has indicated Kolo Muani will feature here.
James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski remain long-term casualties.
Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal
Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs. Villarreal (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bergvall, Simons; Kudus, Richarlison, Odobert
Villarreal Team News
Arsenal's former club-record acquisition, Pépé, earned La Liga's August Player of the Month honors, and he's been deployed as a striker in Marcelino's 4-4-2 formation, with forward Gerard Moreno unavailable through injury.
Logan Costa and Pau Cabanes are ruled out with long-term knee problems, while former Manchester United defender Willy Kambwala is managing a hamstring concern. Ex-Spurs player Foyth will lead the away side.
Manor Solomon hasn't appeared since his loan arrival during the transfer window's closing moments, but he's cleared to face his parent club on Tuesday.
Villarreal Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham
Villarreal Predicted Lineup vs. Tottenham (4-4-2): Júnior; Mouriño, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Partey, Parejo, Moleiro; Pépé, Mikautadze
Tottenham vs. Villarreal Score Prediction
This represents a deceptively challenging fixture for Spurs, who face opponents managed by the astute Marcelino.
The visitors have demonstrated this season their ability to dominate teams through their fluid ball movement, but they encountered difficulties in the capital at the weekend, as Atlético Madrid broke down their compact 4-4-2 defensive structure.
Spurs have secured three victories from four Premier League matches, and their set-piece prowess will prove valuable once more here. However, Frank still has several tactical aspects to refine, and they may endure difficult spells on Tuesday evening. They might not dominate throughout, but the home team, with their superior attacking talent, will narrowly overcome their Spanish visitors.