Ange Postecoglou is poised to use the alterations once more as Tottenham’s focus shifts from Europe to the Premier League against Manchester United.
Spurs maintained their momentum on Thursday night with a 3-0 win against Qarabag despite playing the bulk of the game with ten men, and are likely to revert to form with their starting lineup at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Brennan Johnson all scored in a league win against Brentford last weekend, and the trio will be expected to start, especially after Solanke and Johnson did the same in their Europa League debut.
Cristian Romero to return to Tottenham
Postecoglou will make several changes at the back on Sunday, including the return of crucial defender Cristian Romero, who was suspended against Qarabag after receiving a red card against AC Milan two seasons ago, when Tottenham last played a UEFA match.
With 67% of his ground duels won this season and an average of 7.2 ball recoveries per game [Sofascore], the World Cup winner is essential at the heart of the backline, with the last man in the high line, the quick Micky van de Ven.
Destiny Udogie did not start on Thursday but substituted the unfortunate Lucas Bergvall after only 12 minutes, following Radu Dragusin’s early departure that blew his chance of forcing a way.
Pedro Porro is expected to return for big-money summer signing Archie Gray, whom Postecoglou appears to consider as a long-term right-back option, while Guglielmo Vicario, like van de Ven, will retain his spot until midweek.
James Maddison will return for Tottenham as a crucial influence.
James Maddison was important in the win over Brentford last weekend and is likely to return to the creative midfield role following a rest on Thursday night.
With a goal, an 88% pass accuracy from 51 attempts, and 10 touches in the Bees’ box [Fotmob], the England man was unplayable and has the potential to unlock Manchester United’s weak defence, which kept a clean sheet at Crystal Palace last week due to luck more than organisation.
Lucas Bergvall, although being only 18, is an excellent option off the bench, and Dragusin’s red card took away his opportunity on Thursday.
Pape Matar Sarr’s strike and 92% pass accuracy against Qarabag were great, outperforming Yves Bissouma, but even if Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski return as predicted, Spurs’ depth has strengthened significantly.
Johnson has been in excellent form out wide, scoring one in each of his last three matches. He will surely be afforded more leeway at Old Trafford, and he can really exploit the United back line alongside Solanke, who is still finding his feet following his £65 million arrival.
Heung-min Son will most likely lead the team out again, with his two assists against Brentford making him unstoppable as he looks for his first goals for Tottenham since a brace against Everton last month.
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