Tottenham Hotspur’s aspirations for silverware and a return to the UEFA Champions League hinge entirely on their UEFA Europa League campaign. With their Premier League form leaving their top-four hopes uncertain, winning the continental competition presents their best chance to secure a spot among Europe’s elite next season.
As they prepare for the Round of 16 against AZ Alkmaar, Ange Postecoglou’s side faces a crucial first-leg clash at the AFAS Stadion. This encounter comes with a layer of familiarity, as the two teams already met earlier in the league phase of the tournament. Spurs will be determined to gain a strong advantage in the first leg before returning to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the decisive fixture next week.
With that in mind, here’s a detailed look at the expected starting lineup for Tottenham as they aim to take control of the tie.
Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
Between the posts, Guglielmo Vicario is the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Spurs this season. The Italian shot-stopper has been a consistent presence in the squad and is expected to start ahead of Antonin Kinsky, who remains a backup option. Vicario’s shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure will be crucial against an AZ Alkmaar side that has shown attacking intent in the competition.
Defenders: Porro, Gray, Danso, Udogie
Tottenham are unlikely to make drastic changes to their defensive setup. The full-back duo of Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have been among the most reliable performers this season and are expected to retain their spots on the right and left flanks, respectively.
In the heart of the defense, with fitness concerns limiting other options, Archie Gray and Kevin Danso could form the central defensive partnership once again. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined, making it necessary for Postecoglou to stick with Gray and Danso, who have stepped up in recent weeks despite their relative lack of experience together at this level.
Midfielders: Sarr, Bissouma, Maddison
The midfield battle will be crucial in determining the outcome of this first-leg clash, and Tottenham could opt for a physically dominant duo in the deeper roles. Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma bring energy, defensive stability, and ball-winning ability, making them likely candidates to start ahead of Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, both of whom featured in the recent defeat to Manchester City but may be rotated out for this fixture.
Further forward, James Maddison is expected to retain his place as the creative force in the No. 10 role. With Dejan Kulusevski facing a potential fitness concern, Maddison’s presence will be even more critical in linking midfield with attack and unlocking AZ Alkmaar’s defense.
Forwards: Johnson, Son, Tel
In attack, Son Heung-min is poised to return to the starting lineup. The South Korean star was introduced as a substitute against Manchester City but is now expected to start on his favored left flank, where he has been most dangerous this season. Additionally, he could once again don the captain’s armband, leading the charge for Spurs on the European stage.
On the right wing, Brennan Johnson has shown glimpses of his ability and could keep his place in the side, offering directness and pace to stretch the AZ Alkmaar defense.
With Dominic Solanke still recovering from injury, Postecoglou may turn to Mathys Tel as the spearhead of the attack. The young forward possesses the pace, technical ability, and finishing prowess to trouble AZ Alkmaar’s backline, and this match could serve as a significant opportunity for him to prove his credentials as a viable starting option.
Final Thoughts
Tottenham’s Europa League campaign has reached a critical juncture, and their performance in the first leg against AZ Alkmaar could define their season. With a well-balanced lineup combining experience and youthful energy, Spurs will look to seize control of the tie before returning to their home turf for the decisive second leg.
Securing an away advantage will be paramount, and Postecoglou’s men must remain defensively solid while capitalizing on their attacking firepower. If they can execute their game plan effectively, they will take a significant step closer to their ultimate goal—lifting the Europa League trophy and booking their place in next season’s Champions League.
Key trio return as Ange makes 3 changes | Predicted Tottenham XI vs Alkmaar
