Ange Postecoglou tipped to snub Richarlison in Tottenham selection twist for clash v Arsenal
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou has been tipped to snub Richarlison for the North London derby showdown with Arsenal by Alan Hutton.
Spurs welcome Mikel Arteta’s Gunners to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (28 April) as they look to reignite their top-four push and bounce back from their disappointing 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United last time out.
While Postecoglou has been handed a new blow after it was confirmed Destiny Udogie’s season had been ended through injury, the Spurs boss did admit that Richarlison was fit and available for selection having missed the last two matches.
Although most supporters are hoping to see the Brazilian return to the starting XI for Sunday afternoon’s clash, Hutton believes Postecoglou will continue with Son Heung-min in the middle of the front three ahead of the 26-year-old.
“They’ve had time off but I think the big question mark is what he does at the back,” Hutton told Tottenham News.
“That’s the big decision for him. We’ve seen in recent weeks it normally stays the same so I think Son will start up top as he’s always a thorn in the side of Arsenal. Johnson will play, I think he’s done really well and I think Maddison plays in the number 10.
“Werner will possibly play, it will be an interesting one. He’s got a couple of decisions to make, but I don’t think he’ll veer too far away from what he usually chooses if everybody is fit.
“Like I say, the big question mark is what does he do at the back.”
Will Richarlison start for Tottenham and Ange Postecoglou in Arsenal showdown?
When fit this season, Richarlison has been one of Spurs’ most consistent and effective strikers, scoring 10 goals and laying on three assists in just 17 league starts. But he has struggled to remain fit and available.
With no recognised centre-forward signed in the summer to replace Harry Kane, Postecoglou has been forced to rely on the likes of Son, Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson to impact games from the wing or as a makeshift striker.
The Australian has never been one to stray too far away from his set tactical gameplan and it is unlikely that will change against the Gunners on Sunday. But it feels as though he simply has to change something up top following the defeat to Newcastle.
Hopefully, no matter who starts against Arsenal, Spurs will find a way to claim a much-needed three points. A win over Arteta’s side would not only boost their top-four hopes but would also dent the Gunners’ title charge.
In other Tottenham news, Hutton believes Sergio Reguilon wants “out” of Spurs amid a new transfer development
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