Tottenham Hotspur are set to welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a UEFA Europa League league phase clash. Following their dominant 4-1 victory over West Ham United in the Premier League, Spurs are keen to carry that momentum back into European competition. In their domestic triumph, club captain Son Heung-min made his return to action after sitting out a few games due to a hamstring injury. The South Korean star was instrumental in the win, netting one of Tottenham’s four goals, as they overturned an early strike from Mohammed Kudus to comfortably seal the win. Alphonse Areola, West Ham’s goalkeeper, had no answer for Tottenham’s relentless attack, with Son and his teammates putting on a clinical display.
With their eyes on a third consecutive Europa League victory, Tottenham will look to build on their prior successes against Qarabağ FK and Ferencváros. Ange Postecoglou, always keen to blend experience with youthful energy, is expected to rotate his squad slightly for the midweek fixture. Talented prospects such as Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall are likely to be handed valuable minutes, while Radu Drăgușin is tipped for a starting berth in defense. However, Postecoglou will need to strike a balance, as AZ Alkmaar promises to be the most challenging opponent Tottenham has faced in the competition so far. This means that while rotation is on the cards, Postecoglou must ensure his starting lineup remains competitive enough to secure a result.
Tottenham’s predicted lineup for the encounter could see a mix of regular starters and fringe players stepping up. Guglielmo Vicario is expected to retain his spot between the posts, having had a relatively quiet game against West Ham following Kudus’ early goal. The Italian goalkeeper will hope for similar defensive stability from his backline, which could be anchored by a combination of youth and experience. At right-back, Archie Gray, a versatile young talent, is anticipated to start. While primarily a right-back, Gray’s ability to slot into various positions, including left-back or midfield, gives Postecoglou flexibility as the match progresses.
In central defense, Radu Drăgușin will aim to redeem himself after being sent off in his first start of the season against Qarabağ. A solid performance from the Romanian defender could increase his chances of Premier League appearances, especially with Cristian Romero’s inconsistent form. Drăgușin may be paired with Micky van de Ven, whose pace has been a crucial asset in Tottenham’s high defensive line. With Postecoglou likely unable to rotate both of his center-backs, van de Ven’s inclusion could provide the defensive speed needed to neutralize AZ Alkmaar’s attack.
On the left side of the defense, Ben Davies is expected to feature. Davies, known for his ability to move into midfield during build-up play, will look to spark Tottenham’s transitions from defense to attack. In midfield, James Maddison should return to the starting lineup after being tactically substituted at halftime against West Ham. Maddison will likely operate as one of Tottenham’s advanced midfielders, with the creative playmaker expected to link up well with his teammates. Alongside him, Rodrigo Bentancur, who made a brief appearance over the weekend, is set for his first start since returning from injury, eager to make an impact in central midfield.
Teenage prospect Lucas Bergvall is also expected to be given a start after watching from the bench during Tottenham’s last two Premier League outings. Bergvall, who has impressed in his Europa League appearances so far, will look to continue his development under Postecoglou’s guidance. On the wings, Brennan Johnson will aim to rediscover his goalscoring form after going goalless in his last outing. Johnson has been a vital attacking threat for Spurs, and the Welshman will be keen to inspire the team to another Europa League victory.
Leading the line for Tottenham is expected to be Dominic Solanke, who continues to grow in confidence under Postecoglou. Though Richarlison has returned from injury, Solanke is likely to start the match, with the Brazilian possibly coming off the bench in the second half. Solanke’s physical presence and ability to hold up the ball make him a key figure in Tottenham’s attack. On the opposite wing, Timo Werner is set to start in place of Son, who has been rested for the midweek fixture. Werner, who is still searching for his first goal of the season, will hope to capitalize on this opportunity to get off the mark.
Postecoglou will have to manage his squad carefully, as the Europa League provides a platform for squad rotation, but the opposition’s quality means that Spurs cannot afford to be complacent. With three wins from three in sight, Tottenham will need to be at their best to secure another important European victory.