Tottenham lineup vs. Qarabag: Predicted XI for Europa League opener
Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Qarabag FK in the Europa League, and manager Ange Postecoglou is expected to field a lineup resembling the one that secured a victory over Coventry City in the EFL Cup last week.
Although that match saw Spurs needing two late goals to win, Postecoglou is likely to rotate the squad heavily once again, especially with an important Premier League clash against Manchester United looming over the weekend.
New signing Dominic Solanke is expected to start as he aims to build on his confidence-boosting goal in Tottenham’s 3-1 victory over Brentford.
With limited options available in the striker department, Solanke’s inclusion seems almost certain. Richarlison remains sidelined with an unspecified issue, leaving Timo Werner to possibly take on a supporting role from the wing.
The tactical setup could also see either Brennan Johnson or Dejan Kulusevski partnering Werner on the opposite wing, although 17-year-old prospect Mikey Moore could be given a chance to shine after being an unused substitute in the previous EFL Cup fixture.
Son Heung-min, a key figure in Tottenham’s squad, may find himself on the bench for this Europa League tie.
The South Korean captain scored his first two goals for the club against Qarabag nine years ago, but with a crucial Premier League match against Manchester United just days away, Postecoglou might opt to rest him.
Son’s absence would pave the way for other attackers to take on responsibility and prove their worth.
In the wide positions, Wilson Odobert remains unavailable after suffering a thigh injury early in the match against Coventry.
His absence opens up further opportunities for Tottenham’s younger players to step in. Teenage duo Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could make appearances, especially after both were given starts in the EFL Cup match.
Gray’s ability to play in multiple positions makes him a valuable asset, and he could fill in at right-back once again.
Between the posts, Fraser Forster is expected to start as Postecoglou seems to be employing a cup-specific goalkeeper rotation.
Forster was given the nod ahead of Guglielmo Vicario in the match against Coventry and will likely retain his spot for the Europa League clash, adhering to this system.
There could also be a chance for Tottenham’s “forgotten men” to feature in this game. Djed Spence, who came on as a substitute to score in the match against Coventry, may be pushing for a place in the starting lineup.
His impact last week could give him the edge over other options in Postecoglou’s selection. Meanwhile, Sergio Reguilon was included in the squad last week but did not make an appearance.
Having not played since his departure from Brentford, it seems unlikely that Reguilon will feature heavily in this match, though his return to the squad could signal future opportunities.
Tottenham’s defense is expected to see changes as well, with Gray likely returning to right-back and Dragusin partnering with Ben Davies in the center of the defense.
Spence may get another chance to start on the right side of the backline, especially after his impactful cameo in the last match.
Tottenham’s Europa League journey will be critical for players looking to earn more playing time and cement their positions in the squad, especially as the Premier League continues to demand more of the team.
With Postecoglou’s tactical rotations and focus on managing player fitness ahead of big league fixtures, this match against Qarabag presents a valuable opportunity for several Spurs players to prove their worth and secure important minutes on the field.
Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:
Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner
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