Mansion Sports – The 2025/2026 UEFA Champions League is officially underway, and one of the most intriguing fixtures on matchday one will see Tottenham Hotspur host Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. 

Scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 20:00 local time, this match is more than just a battle for three points—it is a clash between two former UEFA Europa League champions now meeting on Europe’s biggest stage.

Before the action kicks off, here is Mansion Sports’ prediction for the Tottenham vs Villarreal 2025 lineups.

Tottenham: Thomas Frank’s Champions League Debut

Tottenham return to the Champions League after their Europa League triumph last season, a historic achievement that ended a 17-year wait for silverware. 

This campaign marks a new chapter under head coach Thomas Frank, who began his tenure with a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham in the Premier League. The goals came from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall, and Micky van de Ven.

Although Spurs fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Super Cup, their home record in European competition remains exceptional. 

Tottenham are unbeaten in 20 consecutive UEFA matches at home and have scored in 15 of their last 16 fixtures. 

Such statistics fuel optimism in North London, even as the team must cope without James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Yves Bissouma, and possibly Dominic Solanke.

In their absence, Richarlison and new signing Randal Kolo Muani are expected to lead the attack, supported by Xavi Simons, who has impressed since his debut.

Villarreal: Seeking Consistency Amid Challenges

Villarreal arrive in London with the pedigree of a Champions League semifinalist in 2022 and Europa League winners in 2021. 

However, their domestic form this season has been inconsistent, earning only one point from their last two La Liga matches, including a defeat to Atletico Madrid.

History also weighs against them. Villarreal have never beaten an English club in the Champions League, with eight defeats and six draws. 

Spurs, on the other hand, hold a poor record against Spanish opposition, having won just twice in 14 encounters. This fixture may therefore present an opportunity for one side to break their negative streak.

The squad news brings mixed fortunes for Villarreal. Gerard Moreno and Willy Kambwala remain sidelined, but the return of Nicolas Pepe—recently named La Liga’s Player of the Month for August—provides a significant boost.

Predicted Lineups for Tottenham vs Villarreal 2025

Tottenham (4-3-3)

• Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
• Defenders: Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
• Midfielders: Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall
• Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Xavi Simons
• Manager: Thomas Frank

Villarreal (4-4-2)

• Goalkeeper: Diego Junior
• Defenders: Victor Mourino, Juan Foyth, Veiga, Sergi Cardona
• Midfielders: Nicolas Pepe, Idrissa Gueye, Dani Parejo, Alberto Moleiro
• Forwards: Ferran Perez, Georges Mikautadze
• Manager: Marcelino

Conclusion

This contest is expected to be tightly contested. Tottenham will aim to extend their impressive home record while proving they belong among Europe’s elite once again. 

Villarreal, meanwhile, will be determined to overcome their disappointing record against English clubs and deliver a statement performance.

With these predicted lineups showcasing both star power and tactical intrigue, fans can expect a thrilling battle in North London. 

The question remains: will Spurs continue their upward trajectory in Europe, or will Villarreal spring a surprise at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium?