Predicted Tottenham XI to face AZ Alkmaar in Europa League clash – Micky van de Ven is back
Thursday night sees Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur face one of their biggest tests in the Europa League this season, as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Alkmaar in the Europa League.
There is no overstating the significance of this fixture. A defeat here would effectively end Tottenham’s campaign, given their struggles in the league.
The pressure on Postecoglou is mounting, and a failure to progress would only intensify the scrutiny over whether he is the right man to lead this team forward.
With so much at stake, he needs his players to step up. Here is our predicted Tottenham XI for the second leg against Alkmaar.
Predicted Tottenham XI to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Despite a brief moment of tension with the Spurs faithful and Vicario—something he has since apologised for—the shot-stopper was Tottenham’s standout performer in the first leg at the AFAS Stadium. There is no debate here; he starts.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: No time for experiments. This is a must-win, and Postecoglou will lean on his best players. Porro has cemented himself as the club’s first-choice right-back, and there is no reason for that to change.
Centre-back – Cristian Romero: His 60 minutes against Bournemouth were crucial in shaking off some rust, even if Romero’s performance did not convince Spurs fans. Nevertheless, if he is fit, Postecoglou will turn to him.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The way the club has handled his injury suggests they were always eyeing this fixture. Van de Ven was eased back into action, managing 30 minutes at the weekend. For the first time since December’s chaotic clash against Chelsea, Tottenham could finally field their preferred centre-back partnership.
Left-back – Djed Spence: There is no doubt about this one. Spence has been a revelation on the left, and with his performances this season, he has earned the right to start in such a big game.
Pivot midfielder – Lucas Bergvall: Handed a well-earned rest against Bournemouth, a clear sign Postecoglou wants him fresh and firing for this tie. Expect him to start.
Central midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: With Rodrigo Bentancur suspended, Sarr looks the obvious replacement. His energy will be vital in midfield, and as we saw on Sunday, he has goals in him too.
Central midfielder – James Maddison: With Dejan Kulusevski expected to miss four games for Spurs, Maddison is Tottenham’s only fit creative midfielder. However, he tends to go missing in big moments—something that was evident in the first leg. Roy Keane has called Maddison out and now is another opportunity for the Englishman to step up.
Left midfielder – Heung-min Son: Rested against Bournemouth but electric when he came on. His direct running won Spurs a late penalty, which he converted to take his league tally to seven. That goal also Son move up to 16th in the all-time Premier League top scorers list with 127 goals. If Spurs are to overturn the deficit, he needs to deliver.
Striker – Dominic Solanke: His return against Bournemouth was a welcome sight. His physical presence and link-up play have been sorely missed. Spurs cannot afford a slow reintroduction—he needs to hit the ground running, and Thursday would be the perfect time.
Right midfielder – Brennan Johnson: With Kulusevski out, Johnson remains the only natural right-wing option available. He has been a bright spark in front of goal and should get the nod.
Who would make your predicted Tottenham XI?
The post Predicted Tottenham XI to face AZ Alkmaar in Europa League clash – Micky van de Ven is back appeared first on Spurs Web.