It’s not Moore: Ange must drop Maddison & unleash frightening Spurs star vs Palace
Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Crystal Palace this afternoon, aiming to keep their winning momentum under Ange Postecoglou.
Crystal Palace remains winless in the Premier League this season, while Spurs come off a two-game winning streak since the international break, with a 4-1 victory over London rivals last weekend followed by a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
This streak has bolstered their European campaign, and Postecoglou is eager for three more league points today to strengthen their pursuit of a Champions League spot.
To maximize their chances, Postecoglou may consider tactical adjustments, including the possibility of reshuffling his starting lineup. James Maddison, while providing an assist in the recent Europa League match, might find himself on the bench for this game.
Postecoglou had substituted Maddison at halftime against West Ham last weekend, which led to Spurs scoring three goals in just 15 minutes to secure a much-needed victory.
With Crystal Palace likely to set up in a compact 3-4-3 formation under manager Oliver Glasner, Postecoglou could opt for a more defensively solid midfield, potentially leaving Maddison out to reinforce their structure.
Though benching Maddison would be a tough decision, it may be necessary to maintain Tottenham’s momentum in the league. Another midfielder in the squad, whose box-to-box skills and balance could be pivotal, deserves consideration for the starting role.
In the Europa League match, Mikey Moore delivered a standout performance for the first team, demonstrating his ball-carrying abilities through a skillful run.
However, he may not yet be ready for a Premier League start. Instead, if Heung-min Son cannot play, Timo Werner seems likely to fill his position.
Pape Matar Sarr, who replaced Maddison against West Ham, is another strong candidate to feature prominently today.
Sarr’s impactful second-half performance last weekend showcased his range, completing all his passes and creating a crucial chance. His contribution was instrumental, assisting Son’s goal despite playing a deeper role than Maddison.
Pape Sarr’s Stats Against West Ham
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 45 |
| Touches | 29 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Passes Completed | 19/19 (100%) |
| Passes into Final Third | 3 |
| Tackles Won | 2 |
| Defensive Actions | 5 |
| Duels Won | 4 |
Stats Source: FotMob
Talent scout Antonio Mango has previously described Sarr as “frightening,” a testament to the potential he has shown under Postecoglou’s guidance.
Sarr’s recent performance featured strong defensive contributions, including winning duels, successful tackles, and making key defensive plays. Since Postecoglou’s arrival, Sarr has thrived in his role, proving to be an asset in both offensive and defensive phases of play.
His evolution has posed a welcome challenge for Postecoglou in team selection, with Maddison possibly the one to step aside today in favor of Sarr.
Spurs fans will be watching closely to see if Sarr’s high-energy style and balanced gameplay can help Tottenham continue their positive momentum.
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