Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison – Tottenham predicted XI v Arsenal
Ange Postecoglou could axe James Maddison when Tottenham take on Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday.
Spurs made hard work of their 3-0 FA Cup third-round victory over Tamworth at the Lamb Ground on Sunday (12 January), with calls for Postecoglou to be sacked after his side failed to score in normal time.
Therefore, the Spurs boss will demand a much more convincing display from his players in the North London derby at the Emirates on 15 January, although Jamie Carragher isn’t optimistic about the away side’s chances.
And with so many players unavailable due to injury, it looks as though the majority of those who played against Tamworth on Sunday will be required to start again on Wednesday.
Ange Postecoglou to make four changes for Tottenham v Arsenal?
Antonín Kinský has made a flying start to life at Spurs, with Daniel Levy to thank for the arrival of the goalkeeper after his personal involvement in the transfer. The 21-year-old kept his second clean sheet in as many games against Tamworth, making two saves and five high claims [Sofascore].
Pedro Porro had a day to forget at the Lamb Ground, with supporters calling for the defender to be released after he was dribbled past twice while also giving possession away an astonishing 45 times. However, Postecoglou is short of options, which means the Spaniard will likely keep his place against Arsenal.
It is a similar story in central defence, where Archie Gray and Radu Drăgușin will once again likely start alongside each other. Sergio Reguilón didn’t put much of a foot wrong against Tamworth, making four tackles, two interceptions and completing two key passes. However, he is still likely to make way for Djed Spence, who has been in impressive form as of late.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will likely keep their places, with Rodrigo Bentancur unavailable. However, there could be a change further forward.
Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison for Tottenham v Arsenal?
Maddison was one of Spurs’ better players against Tamworth, the 28-year-old completing 87 per cent of his passes, with two of those key, while also succeeding with four of his five attempted dribbles.
However, he has been benched in Spurs’ last three Premier League matches, and after Lucas Bergvall’s recent form, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Swede replace Maddison. That would then allow Dejan Kulusevski to return to the side on the right, in place of Brennan Johnson, who underwhelmed against Tamworth.
Despite getting on the scoresheet late on, the Welshman still had a day to forget as he missed one big chance, provided just two accurate crosses from seven attempts and succeeded with just one of his three attempted dribbles.
Up front, Dominic Solanke will expect to replace Timo Werner, while Son Heung-min will likely come in on the left in place of young Mikey Moore.
In other Tottenham news, Dejan Kulusevski has reacted to an injury update via Instagram.
For more Tottenham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.