Spurs continued their terrible Premier League form with a disappointing 3-2 loss to Everton. Ange Postecoglou’s side were 3-0 down at half-time and despite a late comeback, slipped to their third straight league defeat. Hoffenheim are 15th in the Bundesliga, three points clear of the relegation zone. The Lilywhites will hope to take advantage of a fellow out-of-form team and turn their season around. Here is our Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup for the Europa League clash at 5:45 pm on January 23.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup Vs Hoffenheim for January 23
How Tottenham Hotspur Have Lined Up Recently
Postecoglou opted for a change of formation against Everton. Antonin Kinsky started in goal as he has done since arriving at the start of January. However, instead of the usual four in front of him, Ben Davies returned to partner Archie Gray and Radu Dragusin in a back three. The move was unsuccessful and the Spurs manager made a change at halftime, bringing on Richarlison for the injured Romanian defender.
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Djed Spence, who isn’t registered for the Europa League, moved to wing-back as did Pedro Porro on the right. Lucas Bervall and Pape Matar Sarr struggled to win the midfield battle and the impressive Mikey Moore eventually replaced Sarr. Between them, the starting midfield pair won just eight of their 17 duels.
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In attack, Dejan Kulusevski had a great game despite the result. He made five key passes and got Tottenham back into the game in the 77th minute. James Maddison played further forward than he is used to and failed to impress. Completing just one of his four attempted dribbles. Heung-min Son started as a striker in Dominic Solanke’s absence but struggled, losing possession 14 times.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Recent Form and Tactics
Postecoglou’s change of tactics against Everton was out of character and shows the effect his side’s struggles are having on him. The disappointing performance and defeat means the 59-year-old will likely revert to his tried and trusted 4-2-3-1 approach for the trip to Hoffenheim. The lack of available players also means Spurs are stuck tactically. The Lilywhites could be missing up to 13 players, an astonishing number that reflects their recent struggles.
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Tottenham’s league form has been horrendous but they are hoping to continue their three-game winning streak in cup competitions. They currently sit ninth in the Europa League, League Phase table with three wins, two draws, and one loss. Last time out in the competition they travelled to Rangers. Kulusevski’s 75th-minute strike salvaged a point for Spurs.
Injuries and Suspensions To Consider
Tottenham’s injury crisis has reached the point where a team of their unavailable players would comfortably defeat their last men standing. Dominic Solanke (knee) and Brennan Johnson (calf) were added to the lengthy list within the past with both attackers looking at around three weeks out.
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The Europa League also brings the problem of squad registration for Spurs. Spence, Sergio Reguilion, Kinsky, and youngster Yang Min-hyeok were not included in the squad list and cannot be registered until the knockout phase.
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Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Destiny Udogie (thigh), Timo Werner (thigh), Rodrigo Bentancur (head), Cristian Romero (thigh), Micky van de Ven (thigh), Yves Bissouma (thigh), and Wilson Odobert (thigh) are all expected to miss out.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup Vs Hoffenheim
GK: Fraser Forster
LB: Ben Davies
CB: Archie Gray
CB: Radu Dragusin
RB: Pedro Porro
CM: Lucas Bergvall
CM: James Maddison
AM: Dejan Kulusevski
LW: Heung-min Son
RW: Mikey Moore
ST: Richarlison
