Ange Postecoglou and Tottenham have been handed a tough test on their return to Premier League action as fourth takes on fifth with the visit of Aston Villa to N17.
Only one point and one place separates both clubs going into Sunday’s 2pm kick-off and Postecoglou and his Spurs players will be hoping to increase their current lead over the Villans to four points and keep themselves firmly in the top four pack. In terms of the squad at his disposal though, Postecoglou just can’t catch a break with injuries or suspensions right now.
As if the long list of absent Tottenham players was not enough through injury and Cristian Romero and Yves Bissouma’s suspension, so Ashley Phillips hurt his ankle on England U19 duty which is likely to keep him out of action for a month. Pape Matar Sarr is also a doubt with a problem picked up after scoring his first goal for Senegal.
At least Destiny Udogie is fit to play and free from suspension so will return to bring more balance to the back four which otherwise could remain the same unless Postecoglou wants to throw in Emerson Royal as a centre-back.
With those midfield absences Postecoglou might decide the best balance to the midfield could well be using Rodrigo Bentancur in the number six role as Marcelo Bielsa used him for Uruguay with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Giovani Lo Celso either side.
The Spurs boss did say though Oliver Skipp is also be pushing for a start but Spurs need more attacking thrust against Villa. In-form academy youngsters Jamie Donley and Alfie Dorrington will be hoping to continue to be involved in the squad and perhaps make their debuts.
Here’s the team that we reckon Postecoglou might pick for Sunday’s match.
The first name on the team-sheet quite literally and is becoming a leader at the back.
(Image: Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)One of Postecoglou’s most impressive performers this season and a constant in the backline.
(Image: (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images))With all the injuries, Dier will continue to get his chance unless Postecoglou decides to play Emerson Royal in the middle.
The Welshman played well against Wolves in the centre of defence.
(Image: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)Back fit and free from suspension, Udogie will bring balance back to the left of the back four.
The Dane will likely be required to support the attack in a number eight role.
(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)The Uruguayan could be in line to make his first start since February in the number six role as he did for his country in the week.
(Image: Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images)Spurs need creativity in the midfield three and Lo Celso, who set up Argentina’s winning goal against Brazil this week, has been waiting for his chance.
(Image: Dax Images/BSR Agency/Getty Images)Spurs will rely on his creativity and direct play down the wing.
(Image: Christopher Lee/Getty Images)Son scored three goals for South Korea in the break and Tottenham need him to remain on the goal trail.
(Image: (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images))Johnson scored his first Spurs goal against Wolves and should be fitter now after more game time with Wales.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
