“Ange POSTECOGLOU makes key decision on who among Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma should start vs Crystal Palace
Ange Postecoglou Faces Tough Midfield Selection for Tottenham’s Upcoming Clash Against Crystal Palace
Tottenham Hotspur are preparing to head to Selhurst Park for an exciting Premier League showdown against Crystal Palace. With the stakes high and both teams eager to secure points, Spurs’ head coach Ange Postecoglou has some difficult decisions to make regarding his midfield setup.
Tottenham has been in solid form recently, bouncing back from a 3-2 defeat to Brighton with victories over West Ham United and AZ Alkmaar following the international break. Postecoglou will be pleased with how his squad responded to the disappointment against Brighton, and after achieving a significant win in their European fixture midweek, he will aim to carry this momentum into the Crystal Palace match.
In the recent game against AZ Alkmaar, Postecoglou rotated heavily, implementing nine changes to his starting lineup. Rodrigo Bentancur was among the key inclusions, stepping in for Yves Bissouma. Bentancur, who has been in and out of the lineup this season, continues to work his way back after an injury setback earlier in the campaign. The Uruguayan suffered a concussion following a collision with Abdul Fatawu in Tottenham’s season opener against Leicester City, which forced him to miss the next league game against Everton. His injury challenges have complicated Postecoglou’s selection choices, especially with Tottenham eager to maintain a competitive edge across both domestic and European competitions.
Ahead of last weekend’s impressive 4-1 victory over West Ham, Bentancur had started Tottenham’s previous four league matches, albeit managing to complete a full 90 minutes only once—during Spurs’ memorable 3-0 victory at Old Trafford over Manchester United. His presence in midfield has proven invaluable when available, but fitness limitations have often seen him substituted early or omitted from certain matches, leaving space for other midfield options.
Yves Bissouma, meanwhile, has had his own challenges but seems to be finding his stride. The Mali international endured a rocky start to the season due to an off-field suspension that saw him miss the clash with Leicester. However, he made a stellar return against Everton, scoring a stunning goal in Spurs’ 4-0 win. Bissouma has only managed three league starts this season, with minor knee issues occasionally hindering his availability. Yet, when on the pitch, his influence has been undeniable. His exceptional performance against West Ham, where he controlled the tempo, broke down attacks, and even scored from distance, underscores the added dynamism he brings to Tottenham’s midfield.
Despite Bentancur’s technical prowess, his fitness inconsistencies and limited defensive coverage highlight a potential gap in Postecoglou’s preferred midfield configuration. When fit, Bentancur has often been the favored choice, having started five league games this season. However, considering his heavy involvement in the European fixture against AZ Alkmaar, it seems likely that Bissouma, who was rested midweek, will be fresher and perhaps more suitable for the physical demands of a Premier League away game.
Postecoglou’s decision will ultimately come down to balancing technical skill with defensive tenacity. While Bentancur’s passing ability offers an edge in controlling possession, Bissouma’s ball-winning capabilities and energy make him a strong contender for the No.6 role, especially in away games where defensive stability is crucial. Crystal Palace may be struggling for form and confidence, but their home crowd and counter-attacking style could pose a threat that demands a more physically robust midfield presence.
Given these factors, it would be a sensible move for Postecoglou to start Bissouma as the No.6 in his favored 4-3-3 setup against Crystal Palace. Bissouma’s physicality and defensive skills could help Spurs contain Palace’s attack and maintain control in the center of the pitch. This choice would not only capitalize on Bissouma’s recent form but also allow Bentancur to rest or be used as a substitute option if needed. The lineup decision is a critical one for Postecoglou, who must balance short-term tactical needs with the longer-term goal of keeping his squad healthy and competitive across all competitions.
Ultimately, the midfield selection against Crystal Palace will test Postecoglou’s tactical flexibility and ability to manage his players’ form and fitness. Fans will be eager to see whether he opts for Bissouma’s defensive steel or Bentancur’s creative flair to guide Tottenham toward another crucial league victory.