MusaJames Maddison has not started a Premier League match for Tottenham since 27 April 2025, when Spurs suffered a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Liverpool.
The 29-year-old has endured a frustrating spell in North London due to persistent injury problems, but he now appears ready to make a significant contribution to Roberto De Zerbi’s side.
Maddison has featured as a substitute in four Premier League matches this season, making a positive impression whenever he has been introduced. His recent performances could convince De Zerbi to hand the England international his first league start in almost 18 months when Tottenham welcome Coventry City on 19 October.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8pm local time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with De Zerbi potentially considering a few changes following Spurs’ 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Who Could Make Way for Maddison in Tottenham’s Starting XI Against Coventry City?
Maddison’s impressive cameo at Old Trafford could earn him a place in Tottenham’s starting lineup against Coventry.
The former Leicester City playmaker replaced Conor Gallagher against Manchester United and became an influential creative presence, particularly after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off.
Lucas Bergvall could be the player sacrificed to accommodate Maddison, allowing the experienced midfielder to operate in a more advanced role. Alternatively, the former Chelsea midfielder could be deployed in a deeper position alongside Sandro Tonali.
Tottenham could also benefit from the return of Micky van de Ven, who is reportedly back to full fitness. His availability could allow De Zerbi to restore his partnership with Jan Paul van Hecke, potentially leaving Marco Senesi among the substitutes.
Dominic Solanke is another player whose position could come under scrutiny. Although the striker found the net in the closing stages against Manchester United, he missed several promising opportunities during the contest.
De Zerbi could therefore consider bringing Omar Marmoush back into the starting lineup to lead Tottenham’s attack against Coventry.
Why De Zerbi Could Hand Maddison a Starting Role Against Coventry
De Zerbi has made no secret of his admiration for Maddison, recognising both the midfielder’s technical ability and his importance to the squad.
Despite his recent struggles with injuries, the Italian manager appears convinced that the 29-year-old still has plenty to offer Tottenham.
Speaking before the Manchester United game, De Zerbi praised Maddison’s qualities, saying: “Like I said many times, James is a special player for us, as a player for sure but also as a personality.”
Maddison subsequently demonstrated his value during his appearance at Old Trafford, making an impact during the final 15 to 20 minutes of the match.
According to Sofascore, the midfielder completed 85 per cent of his passes and recorded 65.2 metres of total progression, highlighting his ability to move the ball forward and help Tottenham create attacking opportunities.
He also impressed defensively, winning all three of his tackles and four ground duels.
Those numbers underline Maddison’s all-round contribution and could strengthen his case for a starting position against Coventry.
Meanwhile, Solanke’s performance against Manchester United may leave De Zerbi with a difficult decision to make. The striker missed two big chances before scoring a dramatic late equaliser, meaning his goal could be weighed against his earlier wastefulness.
With Tottenham looking to build momentum, De Zerbi may decide that a change at centre-forward is necessary. Marmoush could consequently be given an opportunity to start, while Maddison’s return to the starting XI would offer Spurs another creative option as they look to secure a much-needed victory.
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