Paul Robinson predicts Hojbjerg to start in Tottenham v Fulham after ‘stupid’ Bissouma red card
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
Paul Robinson believes Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg with replace Yves Bissoma in the Tottenham starting 11 after a “stupid” dive saw him suspended for Spurs’ post-international break clash against Fulham.
Bissoma received a second yellow just before halftime for a clear dive in Spurs’ 1-0 win over Luton Town on Saturday (7 October). In an obvious attempt to deceive the referee, many Spurs fans were frustrated at the needless dismissal.
The Mali international has emerged as an Ange Postecoglou favourite, starting every Premier League game this season after irregular game time since his arrival from Brighton. However, that streak will end against Fulham after his red card, meaning the boss has some thinking to do.
Robinson has predicted Hojbjerg to come in and partner Pape Matar Sarr in the midfield when Spurs welcome the Cottagers to The Lane on 23 October, but criticised Bissoma for his dive and suggested his teammates would have had words at halftime.
Speaking exclusively to Tottenham News, Robinson said: “Bissouma will be a big miss [against Fulham]. But, that’s something that they’re going to have to cope with throughout the season. You’re not going to have all your squad available at certain times.
“Against Fulham, a side that are not where they were last year, Hojbjerg will probably come in alongside Sarr depending on how Postecoglou wants to play. The squad’s strong enough to cope without him for a game.
“It was naivety and it was inexperience, but you’re talking about an experienced Premier League footballer who just had a moment of madness.
“Given the dust has settled, you can look at it and you can reflect on it and say it was just stupid and he wouldn’t do it again.
“In the heat at the moment, there might have been a few things said in the dressing room from his teammates because he could have cost his team the points.
“The team was dominating the game, creating chances and should have been ahead at that point.
“I’m sure he regrets it, there’s no argument. You can’t make a case for him, can you?
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has named two U21 players who have “really stood out”.