Tottenham Hotspur aim to overturn a first-leg deficit when they welcome AZ Alkmaar to London for the second leg of their Europa League Round of 16 clash. Ange Postecoglou’s side struggled to create clear chances in the Netherlands and will need a much-improved performance to keep their European hopes alive. Here is our Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup as the Lilywhites attempt to save their season.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup vs AZ Alkmaar in European Tie
How Tottenham Hotspur Have Lined Up Recently
Despite Spurs’ recent struggles, Guglielmo Vicario has remained a reliable figure between the sticks. The Italian international produced key saves against Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar, keeping Tottenham within striking distance for the second leg. The 28-year-old’s six saves against Bournemouth earned them a much-needed point against their high-flying opponents.
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At the back, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero made their long-awaited returns in the Premier League. Both are likely to be restored to the heart of the defence as a result of an injury suffered by new signing Kevin Danso. Destiny Udogie has been the preferred option at left-back, while Pedro Porro is expected to reclaim his spot on the right after being rotated midweek. Djed Spence had a rare poor game against Bournemouth, winning just three of his ten duels.
In midfield, Rodrigo Bentancur is banned after picking up a yellow card in the first leg. This may see Archie Gray finally play in his preferred defensive midfield position. Lucas Bergvall may also start after being rested in midweek. This would result in the Lilywhite’s starting two teenagers in midfield for such a crucial European tie.
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Dominic Solanke returned to the starting eleven against Bournemouth despite picking up a knock in the first leg. Wingers Wilson Odobert and Brennan Johnson didn’t provide much and veteran Heung-min Son is likely to return on the left against AZ. The former Nottingham Forest man will keep his place on the right due to the current lack of depth in attack.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Recent Form and Tactics
Tottenham have struggled for consistency, following up impressive wins with disappointing defeats. Their toothless display in the first leg against AZ highlighted ongoing issues in attack. However, with two goals against Bournemouth, The Lilywhites showed how threatening they can be with a loud home crowd behind them.
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Tottenham are expected to stick with their familiar 4-3-3 formation, although a more aggressive approach will be needed to overturn the deficit. They will likely be on the front foot early, knowing a quick goal changes the outlook of their Europa League tie immediately.
Injuries and Suspensions to Consider
Dejan Kulusevski remains unavailable with a foot injury and is unlikely to feature until after the international break. Richarlison (calf) and Radu Dragusin (knee) are still sidelined. Ben Davies will return to the lineup after missing four games with a knock.
The positive news for Spurs is the return of Romero and Van de Ven, who are now fit to start. Bentancur will miss the game after picking up a yellow card in the first leg.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup vs AZ Alkmaar
GK: Gugelielmo Vicario
LB: Destiny Udogie
CB: Cristian Romero
CB: Micky van de Ven
RB: Pedro Porro
DM: Archie Gray
CM: Lucas Bergvall
CM: James Maddison
LW: Heung-min Son
RW: Brennan Johnson
ST: Dominic Solanke
