Postecoglou set to make Tottenham U-turn by starting £15M player vs Man City
Tottenham Hotspur heads into Wednesday night’s League Cup clash against Manchester City, looking to reset following a disappointing weekend. After a tough defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, Spurs faced another setback against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
But with little time to dwell on the loss at Selhurst Park, Tottenham’s focus shifts to their Carabao Cup campaign as they prepare to host Manchester City in what promises to be an intense contest at their home ground.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is likely to field a rotated lineup for this cup match, as he prioritizes the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Despite City’s expected adjustments, this game remains high-stakes for Tottenham, especially as the club aims to advance in pursuit of silverware. Yet, a recent development in Tottenham’s lineup selection may stir debate among the fanbase, as manager Ange Postecoglou appears ready to make a decision that could be polarizing.
Reports from GiveMeSport suggest that Postecoglou is leaning toward giving Timo Werner the start against Manchester City. Werner, who was sidelined from the starting lineup after being subbed at halftime against AZ Alkmaar, is likely to return to the left-wing position for Wednesday’s clash.
The 17-year-old Mikey Moore, who replaced Werner in the starting lineup against Alkmaar, also took over on the left against Crystal Palace. However, with Heung-min Son still unavailable due to injury and Wilson Odobert facing his own fitness issues, Werner, signed for £15 million, seems set to reclaim the left-side spot.
For a segment of Tottenham fans, Werner’s potential start may raise concerns. The German winger has struggled to find his rhythm this season, and some supporters may view his selection as a gamble in a match they deem essential to win.
The current situation has led to questions about Tottenham’s ability to terminate Werner’s loan arrangement if his performances don’t improve. While clubs can cut short loan deals during the season, such moves are often complicated by the need for suitable replacements, especially when injury woes limit the team’s options.
With Son sidelined and Odobert recovering, Postecoglou’s decision to stick with Werner underscores the team’s pressing need for depth on the left wing.
At this time, Mikey Moore stands as Tottenham’s only fit natural left-winger apart from Werner. While Moore has shown potential, his age and limited experience make it a substantial challenge to depend on him for high-stakes fixtures regularly.
Although Werner’s recent form may have raised questions, his experience offers stability that the young Moore may still be developing. Tottenham’s options for the left side of attack have been slim due to injuries, and Werner’s inclusion reflects the need to maintain balance on the field despite recent struggles.
Postecoglou has reportedly been assessing the possibility of recruiting a versatile winger next summer, one capable of playing on both flanks. Such a player could potentially replace Werner, who, as speculation suggests, might be on his way out as soon as the January transfer window if an interested club emerges.
However, until then, Tottenham’s reliance on Werner, particularly in crucial cup games, emphasizes the challenge the team faces in managing player availability and performance.
Spurs supporters have watched as Werner’s first season in north London has not met expectations, which has led to mounting scrutiny. Should Werner’s form continue to falter, Tottenham may consider terminating his loan in the January window if feasible, especially if they can secure a more versatile and effective replacement.
However, with the current roster stretched thin due to injuries, letting Werner leave in January would likely require securing a new signing who can reliably fill the left-wing position.
This balancing act between squad depth and player performance creates a complex situation for Tottenham as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Ultimately, Wednesday night’s League Cup tie presents Tottenham with both an opportunity to progress in the competition and a test of their current lineup’s resilience. With City expected to rotate their squad, Spurs have a chance to capitalize, but they’ll need their players to rise to the occasion.
Werner’s potential starting role offers him an opportunity to prove himself to fans and coaching staff alike, as well as a chance to show that he can contribute meaningfully to Tottenham’s season.
Postecoglou’s faith in Werner, despite a rocky start, highlights the manager’s commitment to maximizing his squad’s potential in every available competition.
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