Ange Postecoglou may axe James Maddison when Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (October 24)
Postecoglou’s team will host AZ Alkmaar at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the third match of their Europa League league phase.
Spurs have six points from six games this season. As a result, they will be confident of picking up another win, putting them in a strong position to qualify even though they still have five matches to play.
After a dismal 3-2 loss to Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday 6 October, Spurs went back to winning ways in style in England’s top division, thumping London rivals West Ham 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur
Despite the convincing win and strong performances from the majority of his players, Postecoglou is expected to make a number of changes for the visit of AZ Alkamaar.
Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison for Tottenham vs. AZ Alkmaar
Guglielmo Vicario has started both Europa League matches for Spurs and will likely do so again. According to Sofascore, the goalie made two saves against West Ham and completed 91% of his passes.
Radu Drăgușin was suspended in the Europa League after being sent off during Spurs’ 3-0 win over Qarabağ at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 26. However, he is now again available, allowing Postecoglou to make three changes in defence.
The Romanian is expected to return and join Micky van de Ven, despite the Dutchman having a poor performance against the Hammers, being dribbled past three times and losing all three aerial duels.
Meanwhile, Archie Gray and Ben Davies, who have started all of Tottenham’s Europa League games this season, are expected to replace Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.
In midfield, Postecoglou might bring back Rodrigo Bentancur, who was rested against West Ham.
Yves Bissouma might be the one to make way for his midfield partner. Following his outstanding performance against the Hammers, in which he scored a goal, completed 91% of his passes, and made five tackles, the Mali international could be given a rest.
Dejan Kulusevski was outstanding in midfield last time out, scoring a goal, making two vital passes, and registering three tackles. As a result, Postecoglou may decide to continue with the Swede in order to maintain some consistency in his team.
Meanwhile, Maddison is expected to make way for Lucas Bergvall, with Postecoglou rumored to have a “problem” with the midfielder after taking him out at halftime against Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Ange Postecoglou will make one attacking alteration for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar.
Dominic Solanke will be eager to return to scoring form for Tottenham and could be given the opportunity against AZ Alkmaar. The striker was not at his best against West Ham, completing only two of his seven attempted dribbles and shooting only once off target.
Brennan Johnson’s seven-match scoring streak in all competitions for club and country ended last time out. However, he will be looking to get back in the scoring zone against AZ Alkmaar after squandering a great chance against West Ham.
Son Heung-min shone on his return to action against Lopetegui’s side, scoring a goal, hitting the crossbar, squandering one great opportunity, and making two vital passes. However, given his recent injury issues, Postecoglou is unlikely to risk him and could instead give Mikey Moore another first-team opportunity.
Leave a Reply