Tottenham expected lineup against Arsenal amid Solanke and Micky injury woes
Dominic Solanke’s injury has become a focal point as Tottenham prepares to host arch-rivals Arsenal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this weekend.
With Ange Postecoglou yet to secure a victory in a North London derby since taking the reins at Spurs, the upcoming clash offers a crucial opportunity to turn the tide against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.
Last season, Tottenham failed to defeat the Gunners, managing only a 2-2 draw at the Emirates and suffering a disappointing 3-2 loss at home in April.
The stakes are high for Tottenham, especially with only four points on the board so far this season. A win against Arsenal would not only provide a much-needed boost in confidence but also serve as a catalyst to kick-start their campaign.
However, the challenge is compounded by injury concerns, particularly those surrounding key players like Dominic Solanke and Micky van de Ven, who are both racing against time to be fit for this critical fixture.
Dominic Solanke’s fitness has been a major talking point in the lead-up to the North London derby.
After playing in just three games this season, Postecoglou has already faced the challenge of managing his squad amid injuries.
Solanke, Tottenham’s new striker, sustained an ankle injury during the opening weekend clash against Leicester City.
This injury has kept him sidelined for the past two matches, and his absence was felt keenly in the 2-1 defeat to Newcastle at St James’ Park, where his goalscoring ability could have made a difference.
Fortunately for Tottenham fans, there is optimism surrounding Solanke’s return. Both he and Van de Ven are expected to be available for the derby, with Spurs journalist Alasdair Gold suggesting that the international break has provided them with ample time to recover.
Their availability would be a significant boost for Postecoglou’s side, as both players are integral to Tottenham’s strategy and starting lineup.
Tottenham Predicted XI vs Arsenal
As Tottenham gears up for the North London derby, the potential return of Solanke and Van de Ven to the starting XI is a positive development.
Their presence on the field will likely strengthen Tottenham’s attacking and defensive capabilities, giving the team a better chance of securing a crucial victory against Arsenal.
Additionally, Brennan Johnson, who impressed with his performance off the bench against Newcastle, might earn a place in the starting lineup, providing another dynamic option for Postecoglou.
Dejan Kulusevski has been one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season, showing consistency and creativity in his play.
However, with the possible return of Solanke and the tactical adjustments needed for such a high-stakes match, Kulusevski could be utilized as an impact substitute.
His ability to change the course of a game makes him a valuable asset, potentially coming on later in the match to replace James Maddison or add fresh energy to the attack.
Postecoglou’s ability to navigate these injury challenges and make the right tactical decisions will be key to overcoming Arsenal.
The return of Solanke and Van de Ven could provide the edge Tottenham needs to secure a long-awaited victory in this fiercely contested rivalry.
With the season still in its early stages, a win against Arsenal would not only boost morale but also signal Tottenham’s intent to compete at the highest level in the Premier League this season.
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