Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou faces a crucial decision ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Everton in North London.
After a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City in their season opener, the Australian tactician will need to tweak his lineup to compensate for a key midfield absence.
Bentancur’s Injury and Midfield Adjustments
The game against Leicester City was marred by a concerning incident involving Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury following a collision with Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu. The Uruguayan midfielder had to be stretchered off, receiving oxygen on the field, but later reports confirmed that he was conscious and communicating.
Despite the positive update, Bentancur is expected to miss the upcoming match against Everton. His absence opens the door for Yves Bissouma to return to the starting XI. The Malian midfielder was left out of the squad against Leicester after being disciplined for a recent off-field incident, where he was caught on camera inhaling laughing gas. However, with Bentancur sidelined, Bissouma is likely to partner with Pape Sarr in the heart of Tottenham’s midfield.
Maddison’s Influence and Forward Options
James Maddison will continue to play a pivotal role for Tottenham, especially against an Everton side that he has historically performed well against. The creative midfielder provided the assist for Pedro Porro’s goal in the previous match and boasts an impressive record of four assists against Everton, more than he has managed against any other Premier League team.
In the attacking department, Son Heung-min and newly acquired £65 million striker Dominic Solanke are expected to start up front. Both players are key to Postecoglou’s plans, with Solanke already establishing himself as the focal point of Tottenham’s attack. Richarlison, despite his impressive record against his former club, is likely to start from the bench but could be introduced as a game-changing substitute if needed.
Kulusevski vs. Johnson: A Selection Dilemma
Postecoglou faces a tough choice on the right wing between Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson. Kulusevski’s impact cannot be underestimated, as the Swedish winger was instrumental in Tottenham’s attack last season. However, Johnson is also vying for a starting spot and offers a different kind of threat with his pace and dribbling skills.
Kulusevski’s familiarity with Postecoglou’s system may give him the edge, but Johnson’s performances in training could see him get the nod. Either way, both players are expected to contribute significantly to Tottenham’s attacking play.
Defensive Stability and Porro’s Availability
In defense, Pedro Porro’s fitness will be closely monitored after he sustained a foot/ankle injury late in the game against Leicester. While the injury initially raised concerns, the lack of updates suggests that Porro’s issue is not severe, and he should be available for the Everton clash. If fit, Porro will resume his role at right-back, flanked by Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, and Destiny Udogie in a strong defensive lineup.
Guglielmo Vicario, who had a solid debut against Leicester, is expected to retain his place between the sticks. The Italian goalkeeper will be looking to build on his first performance and keep Everton’s attackers at bay.
Potential Changes on the Bench
With Archie Gray and the rejuvenated Djed Spence waiting in the wings, Postecoglou has some depth on the bench, particularly in defense. Gray’s versatility allows him to cover multiple positions, while Spence’s pace and defensive acumen could make him a valuable asset in the latter stages of the game.
Predicted Starting XI
Given the expected changes and tactical considerations, Tottenham’s predicted lineup for the Everton clash is as follows:
Tottenham Hotspur Possible Starting Lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Solanke.
This lineup offers a balanced blend of defensive solidity and attacking flair, with Bissouma and Sarr providing the midfield engine, while Maddison, Son, and Solanke lead the charge up front. With Postecoglou’s tactical acumen, Tottenham will aim to secure their first win of the Premier League season and set the tone for the matches to come.
