Tottenham Hotspur are set to visit AFAS Stadium to take on AZ Alkmaar in their Europa League round of 16 first-leg tie on Thursday evening. Let’s take a look at our predicted Spurs XI to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will be aiming for a positive result in their first-leg Europa League clash against Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar.
The Europa League draw pitted Totenham against their group stage opponents where they will once again come up against their former striker Troy Parrott.
The last time these two sides met, Tottenham beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 back in November after a Richarlison penalty was enough to separate them. This time, with a place in the next round at stake, Spurs will need a strong performance.
Predicted Tottenham XI to face AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Europa League fixtures often see managers rotate their squad, but Tottenham’s season now heavily depends on their success in this competition. With that in mind, Vicario is set to start between the sticks.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The right-back spot has become a position of depth in recent weeks, with Djed Spence and Archie Gray providing competition. However, Postecoglou is likely to go with the experience of Porro for this crucial clash.
Centre-back – Ben Davies: Davies has missed the last two Premier League matches but has been could be back for Thursday. If available, he is expected to slot straight back into the starting XI.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Just last week, photos of Cristian Romero in Tottenham training at Hotspur Way with the first emerged, hinting that a return for the Argentine centre-back is imminent. Of course, throwing him right in the deep end on Thursday would be too soon, so we expect Danso to continue at the back.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: A controversial choice of either the Italian or Porro considering Spence’s form, however, the pace of the Italian is needed down the left flank to help stretch the opposition.
Pivot midfielder – Lucas Bergvall: Yves Bissouma has not started the last couple of games for Spurs. That gives a clear indication of where he is at with the club and the manager. On Thursday, we expect Ange to turn to Bergvall once more.
Central midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguyan is one of the few midfielders that Ange Postecoglou seems to rely on a lot. A new contract is in the works, further emphasising his importance. As long as he is fit, he starts.
Central midfielder – Dejan Kulusevski: James Maddison could be rested here in place of Dejan Kulusevski who can also function as a playmaker in this Spurs side. Maddison also played for over 60 minutes against Manchester City, so the manager might rest him for this one.
Left midfielder – Heung-min Son: Heung-min Son was one of those who was dropped against Manchester City as the manager opted for Odobert last time out. We don’t expect any more rotations on Thursday. Son should return and he’d be hoping to add to his 10 goals and 10 assists this season.
Striker – Dominic Solanke: Thursday could see a first start for Dominic Solanke who has been out for a month now. He was spotted in training last week and should be in contention for a place this Thursday. If he is not fit to start, Mathys Tel should retain his spot.
Right midfielder – Brennan Johnson: Johnson brings goals to this Tottenham team and they need goals on Thursday night. With Kulusevski in midfield, the Welshman would be looking to add to his fourteen goals in all competitions this season.