27yr old returns as Postecoglou makes 7 changes | Predicted Tottenham XI vs Alkmaar
Tottenham Hotspur will aim to maintain their perfect start in the Europa League as they prepare to face AZ Alkmaar on Thursday, October 24th.
The team has shown impressive form lately, with only a minor setback against Brighton before the international break. Based on their current performance, Tottenham looks like a genuine contender to win the Europa League this season.
Ange Postecoglou has made considerable rotations in midfield during the competition, but changes in other areas of the squad have been minimal.
As Postecoglou prepares for the match, Guglielmo Vicario is expected to remain the first-choice goalkeeper, continuing to be the reliable figure between the posts.
He has been a consistent presence throughout the campaign and will retain his place in the starting eleven, ahead of backup Fraser Forster.
Defensively, we might see some adjustments from the side that played over the weekend. Destiny Udogie could be rested, giving Ben Davies the chance to start as left-back.
On the opposite flank, Pedro Porro may also be rotated, allowing young Archie Gray to step into the right-back role. In the heart of the defense, Radu Dragusin is likely to partner with Micky van de Ven at center-back, offering some fresh legs in the defensive line.
In midfield, the engine room will likely experience significant changes. The midfielders who featured in Tottenham’s Premier League match against West Ham could find themselves on the bench for this fixture.
Postecoglou may opt for Lucas Bergvall and Pape Mata Sarr to control the center of the park. Yves Bissouma, who has been involved in the last couple of Europa League matches, might also step aside, as Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to take over the defensive midfield role after missing the West Ham game following his long flight from Uruguay.
The forward line presents another interesting decision for Postecoglou. Heung-min Son recently returned to the starting lineup and marked his comeback with a goal.
However, given his recent struggles with a muscle injury, the coaching staff will likely be cautious with his playing time. As a result, Son might be rested, paving the way for Richarlison to start on the left wing.
Richarlison has just returned from injury and will be eager to regain match fitness by clocking more minutes on the pitch.
Despite neither Dominic Solanke nor Brennan Johnson scoring in Tottenham’s 4-1 victory over West Ham, both players have been in excellent form over the last few weeks.
Their consistency in front of goal suggests that they will retain their places in the team, with Solanke leading the attack as the striker and Johnson operating on the right wing.
Based on these potential rotations and player availability, this is how Tottenham’s lineup could look for their Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Guglielmo Vicario |
| Left-back | Ben Davies |
| Center-back | Radu Dragusin |
| Center-back | Micky van de Ven |
| Right-back | Archie Gray |
| Central Midfielder | Lucas Bergvall |
| Central Midfielder | Pape Mata Sarr |
| Defensive Midfielder | Rodrigo Bentancur |
| Left-wing | Richarlison |
| Right-wing | Brennan Johnson |
| Striker | Dominic Solanke |
Tottenham’s ability to rotate their squad effectively while maintaining high performance levels will be critical as they progress through the competition.
Read Also: Radu Dragusin has made his mind up about his Tottenham future in January
Read Also: Dejan Kulusevski sends dreadful message to Postecoglou after Tottenham display
Read Also: Radu Dragusin has made his mind up about his Tottenham future in January