Ange to ruthlessly axe out Johnson to unleash Spurs relentless 5 ft 10 menace v Luton

Fifth-placed Tottenham finds themselves in a crucial phase as they strive to secure Champions League qualification.

With ten games remaining in Ange Postecoglou’s debut season at the club, Tottenham Hotspur has a lot at stake.

While disappointments in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, coupled with their absence from European competitions this season, marred their recent history, there have been visible improvements in the Premier League standings this term.

Sitting in fifth place, just three points behind Aston Villa with a game in hand, Spurs must address their inconsistencies to sustain their promising campaign.

Their upcoming fixture appears favorable on paper, facing 17th-placed Luton Town, who haven’t secured a victory since January.

Although promoted last year, Luton has shown resilience and determination this season, posing a challenge for Tottenham. However, Tottenham’s array of attacking talent could tip the scales in their favor.

Regarding team news against Luton, Micky van de Ven has been cleared to play, potentially bolstering the starting lineup.

However, Postecoglou must balance his squad with an eye on their subsequent match against West Ham United.

Van de Ven’s absence at Craven Cottage was notable, underlining his influence on Tottenham’s performance this season.

With him on the field, Spurs average 2.2 points per game in the Premier League, contrasting with 1.3 points per game in his absence.

In midfield, Yves Bissouma is expected to feature prominently, despite criticism in recent matches. The battle for a midfield spot alongside Bissouma could involve Pape Matar Sarr and Rodrigo Bentancur.

Upfront, Heung-min Son is likely to lead the attack, although Postecoglou might contemplate lineup adjustments following their defeat to Fulham.

Brennan Johnson, who had a subpar performance against Fulham, might face competition for his spot from other attacking options.

Johnson, despite his recent dip in form, has been a standout performer for Tottenham this season, showcasing his pace and directness.

However, with Timo Werner and Richarlison available as alternatives, Postecoglou has options to consider for bolstering the attack.

Richarlison’s inclusion in the starting lineup could prove crucial for Tottenham as they aim to secure victories in the upcoming fixtures, especially against Luton.

The Brazilian forward arrived at Tottenham from Premier League rivals in a significant £60 million deal in 2022 but initially struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just one goal in his first campaign with the club.

However, under Postecoglou’s guidance since last summer, Richarlison has shown signs of improvement, particularly after undergoing groin surgery in November, which allowed him to find his rhythm and contribute more effectively to the team.

Richarlison embarked on an impressive scoring streak, netting nine goals in ten Premier League appearances before being sidelined with a knee injury. Now fully recovered and having recently returned from national duty with Brazil, Richarlison is poised to resume his role as a key figure in Tottenham’s attack.

Postecoglou has praised Richarlison for his hard work and commitment to the team, highlighting his contributions beyond just scoring goals, such as his pressing and intelligent runs that trouble opposition defenders.

With Richarlison in the lineup, Son can revert to his preferred position on the left flank, where he can showcase his creativity and goal-scoring prowess.

Although Richarlison may not possess the same stature as Harry Kane, his presence provides a focal point for Son and other attacking players to target. Journalist Joe Strange has lauded Richarlison for his relentless movements in the final third, underscoring his value to the team’s attacking dynamics.

Statistically, Richarlison ranks among the top performers in Europe’s top five leagues for various metrics, including goals scored, tackles, interceptions, clearances, and blocks per 90 minutes, according to FBref data.

His all-around contribution, both in attack and defense, makes him a formidable asset for Tottenham and a potential match-winner against Luton.

If Richarlison can replicate his previous levels of attacking success in the upcoming matches, Postecoglou will be optimistic about Tottenham’s chances of finishing the season strongly, starting with the crucial fixture against Luton.

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