Tottenham vs Everton team news: Solanke starts as De Zebri makes four changes

Tottenham host Everton in the Premier League this evening, with Roberto De Zebri making four changes to his starting line-up. Dominic Solanke comes in to lead the attack as Spurs search for their first win and first goal of the 2026/27 season.

  • Fixture: Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton, Premier League
  • Venue: North London
  • Date: September 12, 2026
  • Headline selection: Dominic Solanke starts for Spurs
  • Changes: Four for Tottenham, including both full-backs
  • At stake: Spurs seek first win and goal of the season; Everton look to build on Man Utd draw

Confirmed line-ups

Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Antonin Kinsky; Archie Gray, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven, Andrew Robertson; Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali; Savinho, Mateus Fernandes, Omar Marmoush; Dominic Solanke

Substitutes: Martin Dúbravka, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marcos Senesi, Ben Davies, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Mathys Tel, Mohammed Kudus

Everton (4-2-3-1)

Starting XI: Jordan Pickford; Ainsley Maitland-Niles, James Tarkowski, Jarrod Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Harrison Armstrong, James Garner; Brennan Johnson, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tyrique George; Thierno Barry

Substitutes: Mark Travers, Eli Campbell King, Michael Keane, Jake O'Brien, Jack Grealish, Carlos Alcaraz, Hayden Hackney, Tyler Dibling, Graham

Selection notes

Tottenham are without right-back Pedro Porro and left-back Destiny Udogie, both ruled out with minor muscle issues. Archie Gray replaces Porro at right-back, while Andrew Robertson comes in for Udogie at left-back.

Jan Paul van Hecke starts alongside Micky van de Ven in central defence. Sandro Tonali and Rodrigo Bentancur keep their places in midfield. Mateus Fernandes is recalled in place of Conor Gallagher, who drops to the bench.

Dominic Solanke is handed a start up front, with Mathys Tel making way. Savinho and Omar Marmoush keep their places in the Tottenham attack.

For Everton, Ainsley Maitland-Niles comes in after scoring a stunning late equaliser during the 2-2 draw with Manchester United last time out. Tyrique George is also given another chance to impress after scoring a fine goal against United, while Thierno Barry leads the line up front once again.

Injury and availability

Pedro Porro is ruled out with a minor muscle issue. Destiny Udogie is also ruled out with a minor muscle issue. No return dates have been given for either player.

Why De Zebri has gambled on two new full-backs

The absence of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie strips Tottenham of their first-choice full-backs, forcing Archie Gray and Andrew Robertson into the side. Both are capable, but the shift changes how Spurs build from the back. Robertson's experience should steady the left, while Gray's energy offers overlap on the right.

In midfield, the recall of Mateus Fernandes for Conor Gallagher signals a move towards more creativity rather than industry. Fernandes can drift between the lines, linking with Savinho and Omar Marmoush. That trio must now supply Dominic Solanke, who replaces Mathys Tel to give Spurs a focal point.

Everton arrive with belief after their 2-2 draw against Manchester United. Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Tyrique George both scored in that game and are rewarded with starts. With James Tarkowski and Jarrod Branthwaite shielding Jordan Pickford, the visitors will be organised and look to spring Thierno Barry on the counter.

Talking points

  • Can Tottenham finally score their first goal of the season, or will Everton's defence hold firm?
  • Is De Zebri right to recall Mateus Fernandes ahead of Conor Gallagher in midfield?
  • Will Everton's Maitland-Niles and George carry their goalscoring form from the Man Utd draw into this game?
  • Are Spurs too vulnerable at full-back with both Porro and Udogie out injured?

What happens next

Both sides return to Premier League action after this fixture. Tottenham will assess the fitness of Porro and Udogie before their next game, while Everton will look to build on their unbeaten run. Three points for Spurs would ease early-season pressure on De Zebri.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dominic Solanke starting for Tottenham vs Everton?

Yes, Dominic Solanke is handed a start with Mathys Tel making way. Solanke leads the line in North London.

Who is missing for Tottenham against Everton?

Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie are both ruled out with minor muscle issues. Archie Gray and Andrew Robertson replace them at full-back.

What time is Tottenham vs Everton kick-off?

The source article does not state a kick-off time. The match takes place in North London on September 12, 2026.

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