Tottenham Hotspur have floundered domestically this season however nonetheless have a shot at redemption within the Europa League.
Determined to finish their agonising trophy drought throughout Ange Postecoglou’s second 12 months on the helm, Spurs know that the continent’s second most prestigious competitors is their final resort.
Triumphing within the Europa League will probably be immensely difficult and so they should navigate Dutch opposition to achieve the quarter-finals. The primary leg of their final 16 tie with AZ Alkmaar will probably be staged within the Netherlands on Thursday.
Having been sometimes inconsistent in current months, Spurs can afford no complacency when visiting Alkmaar, and it is essential that Postecoglou selects his greatest XI on the AFAS Stadion.
Right here is how Tottenham may line up.
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – The Italian’s well timed return in mid-February has proved a blessing for Spurs, particularly forward of their Europa League run. Each Antonin Kinsky and Fraser Forster have been omitted from the European squad.
RB: Pedro Porro – There might be no questioning Porro’s skill to harm AZ’s defence together with his lung-busting runs and beautiful distribution, however the Dutch facet might goal the area he vacates.
CB: Archie Grey – Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are closing in on comebacks after returning to full staff coaching however Thursday is prone to come too quickly for them. Grey will fill in at centre-back, as he has finished for a lot of the marketing campaign.
CB: Kevin Danso – The January recruit will probably be instrumental in stifling former Tottenham centre-forward Troy Parrott, who has impressed in Alkmaar with 17 targets in 38 matches.
LB: Future Udogie – Djed Spence has been in wonderful type for the reason that flip of the 12 months however Future Udogie and Porro stay the first-choice full-backs. The Italian has began the final two video games having lately returned from harm.
DM: Rodrigo Bentancur – Bentancur will probably be competing with Pape Matar Sarr for a beginning berth within the double pivot however the Uruguayan has been most well-liked as an anchor in current weeks.
DM: Yves Bissouma – 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has additionally been an everyday contributor over current months however Postecoglou might go for the tough-tackling strategy of Bissouma for such an essential encounter.
RM: Brennan Johnson – Johnson has typically confirmed a streaky participant in Tottenham colors and discovering consistency has been his largest hurdle up to now. Postecoglou will hope he can depend on the Welshman in Alkmaar.
AM: James Maddison – With the influential Dejan Kulusevski sidelined with a foot harm, the artistic burden falls on Maddison’s shoulders. He is managed a objective and help since coming back from harm as he goals to silence Roy Keane.
LM: Son Heung-min – There isn’t a doubt that Son’s affect is waning as his legs age, with no targets in his final eight matches in all competitions. Nonetheless, he might be the difference-maker when at his electrifying greatest.
ST: Mathys Tel – Having opened his Tottenham account within the FA Cup, targets haven’t since been forthcoming for the winter addition. He is not probably the most pure quantity 9 and finds his place within the staff underneath menace by the returning Dominic Solanke.
