“Terrible Gamble”- 27-year-old returns to Spurs XI as Ange makes 7 changes in Predicted Tottenham starting XI vs Alkmaar
Tottenham Hotspur are gearing up to continue their flawless start to the Europa League group stage when they face Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday, October 24th. After two consecutive wins in the competition, the Lilywhites will be looking to secure another victory, which would strengthen their position as one of the front-runners to progress deep into the tournament.
Despite a minor setback in their Premier League campaign with a defeat to Brighton before the international break, Spurs have been in impressive form. Ange Postecoglou’s men are building momentum, and given their recent performances, they are considered strong contenders to lift the Europa League trophy by the end of the season. The competition provides a real chance for silverware, something Spurs are hungry for, having fallen short in past European campaigns.
Postecoglou has been particularly experimental with his midfield choices in the Europa League, using the competition as an opportunity to rotate players and give key squad members valuable minutes on the pitch. However, he has remained relatively consistent with his selections in other areas, especially in defense and attack, where the team has been firing on all cylinders. This balance between rotation and consistency could prove crucial in keeping the squad fresh while maintaining their competitive edge.
Predicted Line-Up Against AZ Alkmaar
Here’s a breakdown of how Ange Postecoglou might approach this crucial Europa League clash, with some changes expected to ensure squad depth is utilized effectively.
Goalkeeper
Guglielmo Vicario has been the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Tottenham this season, and there are no signs of that changing for the Europa League fixture. Even though Fraser Forster offers an experienced backup option, Postecoglou is likely to stick with Vicario for this match, ensuring stability at the back as Spurs aim to keep another clean sheet.
Defenders
Tottenham could see some rotations in defense, particularly in the full-back positions. Ben Davies is expected to replace Destiny Udogie at left-back, offering a more experienced and defensively solid option for the European night. On the right side, Pedro Porro may be rested, with Archie Gray potentially stepping in to provide fresh legs and energy on the flank.
In the center of defense, Micky van de Ven has become a mainstay for Postecoglou, and he will likely continue to feature in the heart of the defense. He could be partnered by Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, who may be handed a rare start, giving him the opportunity to impress in the European spotlight.
Midfield
The midfield is where Postecoglou has exercised the most rotation, and this trend is likely to continue against AZ Alkmaar. After starting in the Premier League fixture against West Ham, the likes of Yves Bissouma and James Maddison could be rested, allowing younger and fresher legs to take charge in midfield. Lucas Bergvall, who has shown promise in previous outings, is expected to feature alongside Pape Matar Sarr in the central midfield roles, providing energy and creativity.
Rodrigo Bentancur, who has been managed carefully due to his recent recovery from a long-term injury, could be handed a start in the defensive midfield role. After missing the West Ham match due to travel fatigue from international duty, Bentancur’s return would add a layer of composure and control to Spurs’ midfield, which could be vital in dictating the tempo of the game.
Forwards
In attack, Heung-min Son’s situation will be monitored closely. The South Korean star returned from injury to score in Tottenham’s 4-1 victory over West Ham, but given his recent muscle issues, Postecoglou might opt to rest him to avoid aggravating the injury. Richarlison is expected to take his place on the left wing. The Brazilian has recently recovered from injury and is eager to get back to full fitness, making this the perfect opportunity for him to get valuable minutes under his belt.
Despite their recent goal drought against West Ham, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson are likely to retain their spots in the starting line-up. Solanke, who has been in fine form this season, will lead the line as the central striker, while Johnson will continue to operate on the right wing. Both players have been crucial to Spurs’ attacking success this season, and Postecoglou will be counting on them to rediscover their scoring touch against Alkmaar.
A Key Opportunity for Rotation and Momentum
With the Europa League group stage offering a chance to rotate and rest key players, Postecoglou will need to find the right balance between giving fringe players opportunities and ensuring the team doesn’t lose its rhythm. The game against AZ Alkmaar presents a chance for some of Tottenham’s younger and lesser-used players to step up and prove their worth, while the established stars will be expected to maintain the high standards set in previous matches.
Overall, Spurs will be confident heading into the fixture, but with the competition heating up, they will need to remain focused and disciplined. A victory against Alkmaar would not only keep their 100% record intact but also send a strong message to their Europa League rivals that they are a force to be reckoned with this season.