Tel role, Bergvall returns – The Spurs team Postecoglou must select vs Villa
Tottenham Hotspur quickly turn their attention to the FA Cup fourth-round clash against Aston Villa, with little time to recover from their heavy defeat at Liverpool.
Ange Postecoglou’s side entered the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on the back of two successive victories and clean sheets against Elfsborg and Brentford, only to suffer a 4-0 thrashing at Anfield.
With a relentless fixture schedule offering no respite, Spurs must now regroup for another crucial cup tie, this time at Villa Park, without any returning players from injury.
The squad crisis continues to deepen, with Postecoglou now facing the additional setback of losing Richarlison, bringing the list of unavailable players to 11.
Dane Scarlett also remains ineligible, adding further limitations to the manager’s selection options. Given the circumstances, Pedro Porro, Lucas Bergvall, and Mathys Tel could be introduced into the starting lineup to provide fresh legs.
Archie Gray might also be pushed into midfield to inject energy into a side that looked uninspired and sluggish against Liverpool. Although this would mean pairing two 18-year-olds alongside Rodrigo Bentancur or Yves Bissouma, Spurs desperately need a spark in the center of the pitch.
Mikey Moore’s physical struggles at Brentford suggest that the 17-year-old may be more effective as an impact substitute rather than starting against Villa.
The forward line remains an area of tactical uncertainty, with Postecoglou needing to decide whether to deploy Mathys Tel or Son Heung-min through the middle, or opt for Dejan Kulusevski in a false nine role. The possibility of a fluid attacking trio could keep Villa’s defense guessing and offer an unpredictable element to Tottenham’s play.
Squad rotation remains a challenge due to injuries, leaving Postecoglou with limited flexibility. Pedro Porro’s return to the lineup appears likely after he was rested on the bench at Anfield, while Archie Gray may be afforded a rare breather following his intense workload over the past two months.
Lucas Bergvall is a strong candidate to replace Yves Bissouma in midfield, and Mathys Tel looks set to take Richarlison’s spot in the attack.
The selection dilemma extends to Son Heung-min, who endured a difficult outing against Liverpool. With the South Korean struggling for form, Postecoglou might consider handing Mikey Moore a starting opportunity in the front three. However, the teenager’s inexperience at this level makes such a decision a gamble in a high-stakes match.
Tottenham must now deliver a response against Villa, despite being stretched to their limits. The injuries have forced Postecoglou into difficult decisions, but the challenge presents an opportunity for new signings and younger players to step up.
With the FA Cup representing a valuable chance for silverware, Spurs must find a way to overcome their squad limitations and produce a much-needed performance at Villa Park.