Tottenham Hotspur are the only team across the entire Football League yet to record a league victory this season. If Roberto De Zerbi’s side hope to climb the table and eventually challenge for European qualification, securing three points in matches like this will be essential.
However, they face a difficult test against Frank Lampard’s Coventry City, who have recovered from losing their opening four matches to record back-to-back victories.
Coventry’s 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest was an encouraging result, but their 4-1 demolition of Newcastle United at the Coventry Building Society Arena last time out sent an even stronger message about their growing confidence.
Tottenham’s Premier League Record in 2026/27
– Matches played: 6
– Wins: 0
– Draws: 3
– Losses: 3
– Win percentage: 0%
– Goals scored: 3
– Goals conceded: 9
De Zerbi has received encouraging team news ahead of Monday’s encounter, with Dejan Kulusevski expected to return to the matchday squad after more than a year out of action. James Maddison is also reported to be fully fit.
These developments, combined with Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspension for the next three matches, could force the Tottenham manager to make significant adjustments to his midfield.
Sandro Tonali and Bentancur have generally operated as the deepest midfielders, with Conor Gallagher or Mateus Fernandes playing further forward. However, Bentancur’s absence could finally give Fernandes the opportunity to partner Tonali in a more natural central midfield role.
Tonali and Fernandes Could Form a New Midfield Partnership
Bentancur’s suspension is not the only issue facing De Zerbi, as injuries to Savinho and Lucas Bergvall have further reduced his options ahead of the Coventry fixture.
According to reliable Tottenham correspondent Alasdair Gold, De Zerbi could be preparing to deploy Fernandes alongside fellow expensive signing Tonali in central midfield.
The pair have yet to start a match together this season, making a potential partnership particularly interesting. Their performances could influence how Tottenham approach the game and whether the manager decides to stick with the combination in future fixtures.
Conor Gallagher and Maddison remain possible alternatives, while Mohammed Kudus could also be considered for a more advanced role. Maddison’s ability to start will depend on his fitness and readiness to return to competitive action.
Fernandes has struggled to make a consistent impression in the No. 10 position, but a move into central midfield could provide the ideal opportunity to rediscover the form he demonstrated previously at Southampton and West Ham United.
Meanwhile, attention will also be on Luca Williams-Barnett, who has not featured in a Premier League matchday squad since Tottenham’s opening-day defeat to Brentford.
The 18-year-old is considered one of the club’s most promising young prospects. With discussions about a possible new contract reportedly emerging, regular opportunities around the first team could be important in convincing him that he has a future at Tottenham.
Tottenham Face a Must-Win Encounter
Tottenham will welcome newly promoted Coventry City on Monday night, desperately searching for their first Premier League victory of the campaign.
Spurs have returned to the bottom of the table following Fulham’s first win of the season against Hull City on Saturday. De Zerbi’s men now need maximum points to improve their position and climb out of the relegation zone.
The Tottenham manager has had a full week on the training ground to prepare his players for the encounter, giving him valuable time to address the problems behind their disappointing start.
With returning players potentially strengthening the squad and a possible midfield reshuffle on the cards, Tottenham will hope this fixture marks the beginning of a turnaround in their season.
