‘Ambitious’ 24yo ace replaces 7/10 star as Postecoglou makes two changes – Predicted Tottenham XI vs Bournemouth

Tottenham Hotspur aims to regain momentum after a frustrating 1-1 draw against Fulham as they prepare to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Thursday. November proved inconsistent for Ange Postecoglou’s team, who managed only two wins out of five matches across all competitions.

However, they capped the month with a resounding 4-0 victory over reigning champions Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, a result that temporarily lifted spirits.

Despite the impressive triumph over City, Spurs failed to maintain their momentum as December opened with a disappointing draw at home against Fulham. To solidify their top-four aspirations and secure a Champions League return, Tottenham must find consistency amid a congested winter fixture schedule. The upcoming clash against Bournemouth presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Postecoglou’s side.

Bournemouth has shown they are no pushovers this season, securing home wins against Manchester City and Arsenal, two of the Premier League’s strongest teams.

While their overall form has been inconsistent, the Cherries have demonstrated their ability to take points from top-tier opposition. As they host Tottenham, Bournemouth will look to pull off another upset, buoyed by their strong performances against elite clubs.

However, recent history leans in Tottenham’s favor. Spurs are unbeaten in their last three visits to the Vitality Stadium, winning twice and drawing once. Postecoglou will hope to extend that streak, although injuries and suspensions continue to affect his squad.

Rodrigo Bentancur remains unavailable as he serves the third game of his seven-match suspension. Key players such as Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert, and Mikey Moore are also sidelined with injuries. Additionally, Cristian Romero and Archie Gray remain doubtful, leaving the Australian manager with limited options.

On a brighter note, Dominic Solanke is expected to return to action after recovering from illness, providing a boost to Tottenham’s attack. His availability could allow Son Heung-min to shift to the left flank, offering greater flexibility in the offensive setup.

Dejan Kulusevski is another player likely to feature in the starting lineup after being rested in the Fulham match. The versatile 24-year-old may step in for Pape Matar Sarr, who delivered a solid performance but may be rotated for fresh legs.

Tottenham’s predicted lineup for the match is a 4-3-3 formation, with Fraser Forster between the posts. The defensive line could feature Pedro Porro, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie.

In midfield, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison are expected to provide creativity and stability, supported by the returning Kulusevski. Upfront, Brennan Johnson, Dominic Solanke, and Son Heung-min are likely to lead the attack, offering a blend of pace, skill, and finishing ability.

For Tottenham, the stakes are high as they seek to balance squad rotation with the demands of maintaining form. Postecoglou will need to navigate this tricky period carefully, ensuring his team capitalizes on their opportunities while minimizing costly errors.

A win against Bournemouth could provide the stability Spurs need to stay in contention for a top-four finish, while a misstep could deepen frustrations among fans.

Bournemouth, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on Tottenham’s vulnerabilities. With a track record of defying the odds against stronger opponents, they will approach the game with confidence, especially in front of their home crowd. The Cherries’ ability to disrupt Tottenham’s rhythm could prove decisive, making this an intriguing encounter.

Ultimately, the match presents an opportunity for Tottenham to assert themselves and demonstrate resilience after recent setbacks. For Bournemouth, it’s another chance to showcase their giant-killing capabilities. As the winter schedule intensifies, the outcome of this clash could set the tone for both teams in the weeks to come.