Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI Man United: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

The UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao promises to be a night of high drama as Tottenham Hotspur prepare to take on Manchester United in a battle not only of teams but of strategy, resilience, and adaptability.

For Ange Postecoglou, it’s a defining moment in his managerial tenure at Spurs—a chance to claim European silverware while grappling with a midfield crisis that has disrupted his tactical framework.

With creative forces like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Lucas Bergvall sidelined through injury, Tottenham approach this pivotal encounter with both ambition and improvisation.

Postecoglou’s typical attacking setup has thrived on flair and fluidity, built around a central playmaker who orchestrates transitions and opens up defenses. But with Maddison and Kulusevski unavailable, that creative spark has dimmed, and the Australian manager must now recalibrate his system to suit the players at his disposal.

The absence of a natural No10 disrupts Tottenham’s usual 4-3-3 structure, and Postecoglou has already hinted at possible alternatives, having experimented with a 4-4-2 formation in their recent defeat to Aston Villa. While that approach didn’t yield the desired result, it may serve as the foundation for Wednesday night’s final.

Tottenham’s midfield engine room will likely feature Rodrigo Bentancur, Yves Bissouma, and the returning Pape Matar Sarr. Though they bring physicality, energy, and defensive security, they do not offer the vision or finesse typically required in the final third.

This leaves Spurs relying on wide players and strikers to carry a heavier creative burden. One option being considered is deploying Wilson Odobert centrally.

Traditionally a winger, Odobert has recently been tested in a more central role, and his adaptability could provide an improvised solution to the team’s current needs. However, trusting a young player in a European final is a significant gamble, especially when the stakes are this high.

Another tactical adjustment could involve pairing Dominic Solanke with Richarlison in a two-pronged attack. Solanke’s strength lies not only in his finishing but in his ability to drop deep and link play, potentially mimicking the role of a withdrawn forward.

This could prove essential in connecting the midfield with the forward line, especially in the absence of a traditional playmaker. With Heung-min Son returning to full fitness, his inclusion on the left flank is virtually assured.

His pace, leadership, and eye for goal make him a vital figure in Tottenham’s setup, especially in high-pressure scenarios like this.

While Postecoglou has remained tight-lipped regarding his final selection, he confirmed Son’s availability, calling it “massive” in the build-up to the match.

Son himself affirmed his readiness, signaling his determination to lead the team from the front. On the opposite wing, Brennan Johnson is expected to start, offering vertical threat and speed, both of which could be instrumental in unsettling Manchester United’s backline.

These attacking outlets must find quick chemistry with the forward pair, as time on the ball will be limited and opportunities rare against a disciplined and dangerous opponent.

In defense, Tottenham’s backline appears settled and will likely remain unchanged. Guglielmo Vicario stands firm in goal, backed by the reliable quartet of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, and Destiny Udogie.

Their understanding and cohesion have provided much-needed stability at the back, and with Bentancur and Bissouma shielding in front, Spurs will aim to limit United’s chances and control transitions.

This solid defensive core must remain alert throughout, particularly against a Manchester United side capable of turning games on moments of individual brilliance.

Manchester United, despite their inconsistencies throughout the domestic season, enter the final with belief. Under Erik ten Hag, they’ve shown a knack for rising to the occasion in cup competitions.

Their squad boasts experience and firepower—qualities that become decisive in single-leg finals. Tottenham, by contrast, will rely on their collective intensity, pressing game, and the ability to adapt quickly without their main creators.

The contrast in styles sets the stage for a compelling tactical battle, one where success for Spurs may hinge more on discipline and innovation than sheer firepower.

Postecoglou’s challenge is not to simply patch the gaps but to reinvent his side in a way that maximizes available strengths. This isn’t about mimicking the team’s best version from earlier in the season; it’s about crafting a new blueprint on the fly, one capable of standing toe-to-toe with Europe’s elite.

The match offers him a unique opportunity to etch his name into Tottenham folklore—not just by winning a trophy, but by doing so in the face of adversity.

With kickoff set for 8pm BST at San Mamés Stadium and broadcast live on TNT Sports and Discovery+, all eyes will be on how Tottenham navigate their biggest test yet under Postecoglou.

The predicted lineup, assuming a 4-4-2 formation, features Vicario in goal, a back four of Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie, a midfield of Johnson, Bentancur, Bissouma, and Son, with Solanke and Richarlison leading the line.

Missing from the squad due to injury are Kulusevski, Maddison, and Bergvall—three absences that have shaped the narrative of this final even before a ball has been kicked.