Tottenham Hotspur are still licking their wounds after a disappointing Europa League defeat to AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening. While their focus will inevitably turn toward next week’s decisive second leg, Ange Postecoglou’s men must first shift their attention to domestic matters as they welcome Bournemouth to north London for a crucial Premier League fixture.
With just ten matches remaining in the season, Spurs find themselves in a precarious position—13th in the table and ten points adrift of European qualification. Their only realistic hope of ending a long-standing trophy drought now rests on lifting the Europa League title. However, Postecoglou faces a delicate balancing act. He must field a competitive lineup against Bournemouth while keeping an eye on the high-stakes return leg against AZ Alkmaar, which could define Tottenham’s season.
Tottenham’s Injury Situation: Mixed News for Postecoglou
Spurs’ defensive reinforcements are gradually returning, with both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven recovering from lengthy injury spells. The duo was named on the bench against AZ Alkmaar, though Postecoglou opted not to risk either in the first leg. Their potential inclusion against Bournemouth could offer much-needed defensive stability.
However, concerns remain elsewhere in the squad, particularly regarding striker Dominic Solanke. The former Bournemouth man suffered a painful knock at the AFAS Stadium, forcing him off early. His availability for the weekend remains uncertain, and his potential absence would be a major blow to Spurs’ attacking plans.
Ben Davies could be in line for a return, but the team is still without key attacking options, including Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, and Radu Dragusin. With the squad stretched, Postecoglou must carefully consider his rotations, ensuring his side remains competitive while prioritizing freshness for the crucial European showdown.
Why Lucas Bergvall Should Be Rested
One of the biggest selection dilemmas for Postecoglou concerns young midfielder Lucas Bergvall. The Swedish starlet has enjoyed a breakthrough season, making 35 appearances across all competitions and becoming an integral part of the team’s midfield structure. His technical ability, vision, and composure on the ball have been widely praised, with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola even describing him as “unstoppable” in possession.
Despite his talent, there’s a strong case for Bergvall to be given a rest against Bournemouth. His unfortunate own goal in the AZ Alkmaar defeat was not a reflection of his ability, but the mental and physical toll of such a demanding season could make this an ideal moment to rotate. At just 19 years old, Bergvall has played a significant role in Postecoglou’s system, but with the second leg against AZ looming, keeping him fresh for the European clash might be the wiser move.
His underlying statistics highlight his importance—he ranks among the top 16% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 4% for successful take-ons, and the top 13% for tackles per 90 minutes, according to FBref. However, with such a crucial European fixture ahead, a brief rest could ensure he is fully fit and mentally sharp for the decisive battle in the Netherlands.
Pape Sarr’s Opportunity to Shine
Bergvall’s potential absence presents an opportunity for Pape Sarr to reclaim his place in the starting XI. The 22-year-old Senegalese midfielder has found himself on the periphery of late, failing to start any of Tottenham’s last four Premier League matches. He was also left out of the starting lineup against AZ Alkmaar.
Despite this, Sarr possesses qualities that could be vital against Bournemouth’s aggressive midfield. His energy, ball-carrying ability, and defensive awareness make him an ideal candidate to step in. Postecoglou has previously highlighted Sarr’s ability to disrupt opponents, saying:
“He’s one of those midfielders who causes the opposition real problems because whether it’s him running with the ball or without the ball, he runs forward, he runs aggressively, and he disrupts the opposition.”
Statistically, Sarr has shown improvements in his defensive game, winning 56% of his ground duels in the Premier League this season—an increase from the 45% success rate he posted in the previous campaign, per Sofascore. This suggests he is developing a more robust midfield presence, something Spurs could utilize in this fixture.
Revitalizing James Maddison’s Form
Another key concern for Postecoglou is James Maddison’s form. The playmaker endured a frustrating night in Alkmaar, earning a disappointing 4/10 rating from football.london after failing to impose himself on the game.
Maddison’s season has been marked by inconsistency, but his numbers remain respectable—nine goals and five assists from 17 Premier League starts. When he’s on song, Spurs look like a completely different team. The challenge now is to unlock his creativity once again.
Deploying Sarr behind Maddison could help stabilize the midfield, allowing the former Leicester City star to focus on his attacking responsibilities. Sarr’s intelligent positioning and ability to win back possession could ease the burden on Maddison, who thrives when given the freedom to dictate play.
A Crucial Tactical Decision for Postecoglou
With Bournemouth known for their high-intensity pressing game, Tottenham must be tactically astute. A midfield trio featuring Rodrigo Bentancur, who will be suspended for the second leg against AZ Alkmaar, alongside Sarr and Maddison could offer a blend of defensive security and attacking fluency.
Sarr’s infectious energy and ability to break opposition lines could be the missing piece in a Spurs midfield that has lacked dynamism in recent weeks. His inclusion would allow Bergvall to rest ahead of the European decider while also providing the perfect support system for Maddison to rediscover his best form.
Postecoglou faces a difficult balancing act, but this match presents an opportunity to rotate wisely while still fielding a side capable of securing three vital points. A strong result against Bournemouth could restore confidence ahead of the all-important Europa League second leg, where Tottenham’s entire season could be defined.
Final Thoughts
Tottenham’s upcoming clash with Bournemouth is more than just another Premier League fixture—it’s a pivotal moment in their season. While their European ambitions remain the primary focus, they cannot afford to let their domestic form slip further.
With key selection decisions to be made, Postecoglou must carefully manage his squad. Resting Bergvall could be a smart move to keep him fresh for AZ Alkmaar, while giving Sarr a chance to shine could add fresh energy to the midfield. Maddison’s form remains a concern, but with the right supporting cast around him, he could be the difference-maker once again.
Spurs have a mountain to climb in the Europa League, but a strong performance against Bournemouth could provide the perfect springboard for a dramatic second-leg comeback.
Ange told he must drop Bergvall and unleash “frightening” Spurs star who can revive James Maddison
