Ange Postecoglou to axe Djed Spence – Tottenham predicted XI v Liverpool
Ange Postecoglou could axe Djed Spence in one of two changes when Tottenham host Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
Spurs will face Liverpool in the last four of the Carabao Cup in January after beating Manchester United 4-3 in a controversial clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday [19 December].
Therefore, the match against Arne Slot’s side in North London on 22 December will be something of a dress rehearsal for that match, with one player surely nailed on to start after what Henry Winter said about him.
Most players who started against United will likely have to start again on Sunday as Postecoglou’s side is so thin at the moment which means the Australian does not have the luxury to make wholesale changes and rest key players.
However, considering just how draining the seven-goal thriller with United was, the Spurs boss might benefit from at least making a couple of changes.
Ange Postecoglou to axe Djed Spence for Tottenham v Liverpool
Fraser Forster had arguably one of the worst games of his career against Ruben Amorim’s side, making two errors which led to goals [Sofascore]. However, with Guglielmo Vicario still sidelined, Postecoglou has little choice but to start the 36-year-old again against Liverpool.
There could be some room for a change in the back four after Postecoglou provided a positive injury update on Destiny Udogie. Djed Spence impressed against United in just his second-ever Spurs start, and first at home, winning 10 duels and providing one assist.
However, with options so limited, Postecoglou will need to rotate where he can, which means Udogie could be given the nod as long as he is fit.
Radu Drăgușin and Archie Gray will expect to once again start alongside each other, with the former winning 100 per cent of his ground duels and making seven clearances against United, while the latter completed 93 per cent of his passes.
Meanwhile, Pedro Porro will likely be called upon at right-back once again, with the Spaniard winning 100 per cent of his ground duels against Amorim’s side.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr should start alongside each other with Rodrigo Bentancur still suspended. Bissouma was excellent against United, succeeding with 100 per cent of his dribbles, winning 90 per cent of his ground duels, making six tackles and playing two key passes, and the Mali international will hope to build on that bright display against Liverpool.
Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison for Tottenham v Liverpool
James Maddison was not so impressive on Thursday, succeeding with just 25 per cent of his dribble attempts and failing to play a key pass. Therefore, he could be dropped, with Dejan Kulusevski moving back into midfield and Brennan Johnson taking the Swede’s place on the right-hand side.
Up front, Dominic Solanke will no doubt expect to start after scoring twice against United and winning eight duels, while Son Heung-min will likely keep his place on the left.
Son wasn’t at his best last time out, succeeding with just 20 per cent of his attempted dribbles and only winning three of his nine ground duels. However, the South Korean still came up with a crucial moment, scoring directly from a corner to seal the win and a place in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup.
In other Tottenham news, Richard Keys has reacted to the club’s Postecoglou sack decision.
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