Ange Postecoglou 'makes shock Richarlison decision' in Tottenham XI v Liverpool
Ange Postecoglou has made a surprising decision regarding Richarlison in his Tottenham team to take on Liverpool.
The Reds will be crowned Premier League champions as long as they avoid defeat against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday (27 April).
Therefore, a lot is riding on this clash, with Liverpool clear favourites to come out on top. However, from Spurs' point of view, they have nothing left to play for in the Premier League.
As a result, Postecoglou will be more concerned about the UEFA Europa League, with the first leg of the Lilywhites' semi-final against Bodø/Glimt to come at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (1 May).
Therefore, that makes the Australian's decision regarding Richarlison all the more baffling.
Postecoglou drops Richarlison for Liverpool v Tottenham
Jamie Carragher has expressed his confidence that Liverpool will get the job done on Sunday.
Arne Slot's side aren't without their problems, with an injury update on Trent Alexander-Arnold perhaps boosting Spurs' chances of leaving Anfield with at least a point.
And Postecoglou's decision to start Dominic Solanke further boosts Spurs' chances on Merseyside.
However, with the Europa League semi-final just days away, it is perhaps a surprise that the 59-year-old has opted not to rest Solanke and continue with Richarlison, who started in the 2-1 Premier League defeat against Nottingham Forest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday (21 April).
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
| Tottenham v Bodø/Glimt | 1 May | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| Bodø/Glimt v Tottenham | 8 May | Aspmyra Stadion |
As per Sofascore, Richarlison was accurate with 100 per cent of his long balls and scored a goal against Forest. However, he did also miss four big chances and failed to succeed with any of his four attempted dribbles.
In addition, he completed just 50 per cent of his passes and lost all nine of his duels.
However, it is still a surprise that the Brazilian has been dropped and replaced by Solanke with such an important match on the horizon.
Richarlison to fume with Postecoglou
Richarlison is likely to be fuming with Postecoglou about being dropped to the bench.
If he isn't even going to get a start in a rather meaningless game in the context of Spurs' season, Richarlison will be wondering what he needs to do to get a run in the team, especially after scoring last time out.