Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison – Tottenham predicted XI v Bournemouth
Ange Postecoglou could axe James Maddison when Tottenham travel to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Thursday.
Spurs’ inconsistent form continued as they drew 1-1 with Fulham in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday [1 December].
Brennan Johnson gave the hosts the lead before Fulham equalised through Tom Cairney, with the midfielder sent off in the closing moments of the match.
Postecoglou was without several first-team players against the Cottagers and will hope to welcome some of those players back with the North London side facing a quick turnaround and in action again at the Vitality Stadium on 5 December.
Ange Postecoglou to make two Tottenham changes against Bournemouth
Fraser Forster will likely continue to deputise for the injured Guglielmo Vicario against Bournemouth. The 36-year-old played well against Fulham, making five saves from inside the box [Sofascore].
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie looked fatigued against Fulham, with the former winning just 40 per cent of his ground duels while the latter gave possession away 16 times. However, considering the number of injury issues Postecoglou is dealing with, the Australian might have no choice but to start the pair against Bournemouth.
Micky van de Ven remains sidelined while Cristian Romero is yet to return to first-team training [via London Evening Standard, 2 December]. Therefore, Ben Davies and Radu Drăgușin could both be required to once again start at the heart of defence on the South Coast.
Yves Bissouma won four ground duels and completed 91 per cent of his passes against Fulham, while Pape Matar Sarr also won four ground duels and made three tackles.
Considering Rodrigo Bentancur remains unavailable, both players could once again be required to start in midfield. However, Postecoglou could decide to drop Maddison after the midfielder’s disappointing display against Marco Silva’s side, during which just 20 per cent of his crosses were accurate, while he only succeeded with one of his three attempted dribbles.
Ange Postecoglou to reintroduce Dejan Kulusevski against Bournemouth?
Kulusevski could return to the starting lineup, taking Maddison’s place in midfield. Meanwhile, Johnson could start on the right once again after scoring his 10th goal of the season against Fulham, although the Welshman is expected to be unhappy with Spurs supporters.
Son Heung-min struggled on Sunday, failing to provide an accurate cross from three attempts. However, he will likely keep his place with so many injuries and absentees in forward areas for Postecoglou.
Meanwhile, the Australian will hope to have Dominic Solanke available again after he missed out through illness against Fulham. The striker could return to face his former club on Thursday, with Timo Werner likely to be the player who makes way after the German completed just 79 per cent of his passes and was dribbled past twice against Fulham.
In other Tottenham news, Richard Keys has hit back at supporters amid a Postecoglou sack verdict.
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