Ange Postecoglou may axe Cristian Romero as one of two changes when Spurs face West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (19 October).
Spurs fans have had two weeks to stew over their 3-2 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium on October 6.
As a result, most supporters will likely remain frustrated and eager for the error to be corrected.
Fortunately, Postecoglou and his team have the perfect opportunity to do so by defeating Spurs’ arch rivals West Ham, a match that is quite winnable given the Hammers’ form this season.
However, this is a London Derby, thus form is irrelevant. Tottenham will still need to perform at their peak.
A loss would be devastating for Postecoglou and his team. However, three points would undoubtedly improve the mood in North London.
It is evident that the stakes are enormous in this match, therefore Postecoglou cannot afford any errors. As a result, he will need to perfect his team selection and may need to make a few adjustments.
Ange Postecglou to axe Cristian Romero for Tottenham’s game against West Ham?
Guglielmo Vicario is expected to start in goal after making his competitive debut for Italy in a 4-1 UEFA Nations League victory against Israel on Tuesday (15 October) at the Bluenergy Stadium.
Pedro Porro expects to start at right back. He, too, will be upbeat after a productive October international break in which he started both games for Spain and helped his country keep back-to-back clean sheets.
Porro especially impressed in the 3-0 victory over Serbia at the Estadio Municipal Nuevo El Arcángel on Tuesday (15 October), completing 85 percent of his passes, with an amazing six of those critical (Sofascore).
Despite his struggles against the Seagulls last time out, Destiny Udogie will most likely start at left back. In addition to being booked, the Italy international was dribbled past once and committed an error that resulted in a goal (Sofasco).
Micky van de Ven might face Julen Lopetegui’s team with a different defensive partner in Radu Drăgușin.
Cristian Romero has not been at his best this season. Furthermore, the centre-back played in Argentina’s 6-0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification win over Bolivia in the early hours of Wednesday (16 October), UK time.
As a result, he will have little time between his return to London and Saturday’s early kickoff against West Ham. As a result, Postecoglou would be sensible to rest him, especially given Drăgușin’s performance during the international break.
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For the game against West Ham, Postecoglou will most likely use the same midfield that started against Brighton.
James Maddison scored a goal and completed 88% of his passes at the Amex. He will look to make an impression after yet another England snub.
If nothing changes regarding Rodrigo Bentancur’s prospective FA ban, he will most likely start as well. Against Brighton, the 27-year-old completed 85% of his passes while also making two tackles and two interceptions.
Finally, Dejan Kulusevski will try to continue his impressive form in his new midfield position.
The Swede wasn’t at his best against Brighton, making only one vital pass with an overall completion percentage of just 71%. However, there appears to be a blip in his strong run, as he impressed during the international break in Sweden’s 3-0 UEFA Nations League victory against Estonia at the A. Le Coq Arena on Monday (14 October).
Brennan Johnson will seek to make it eight in a row in attack after scoring his seventh goal in as many games in Wales’ 2-2 draw with Iceland in the UEFA Nations League at Laugardalsvöllur on October 11.
Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke will seek to rebound from his goalless performance against Brighton.
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