Ange Postecoglou to axe Micky van de Ven in five changes – Tottenham predicted XI v Arsenal
Ange Postecoglou’s side begin their toughest week of the season when they welcome Arsenal to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (28 April).
Following the North London derby, Spurs will travel to Stamford Bridge on Thursday 2 May for another all-London showdown against Chelsea, before heading to Anfield to take on Liverpool on Sunday 5 May.
It is a seven-day period which will go a long way in defining Spurs’ season, and after the final whistle goes on Merseyside next week, Postecoglou is likely to know whether it will be UEFA Europa League or UEFA Champions League football on the agenda next year.
Tottenham could find themselves nine points behind Aston Villa when they kick off against the Gunners, which leaves them with a lot of catching up to do.
While claiming maximum points from their upcoming three matches seems far-fetched, Postecoglou and his players must give it everything, and the Australian’s team selection will be important.
With three tough games to come in the space of seven days, Postecoglou must ensure he manages his squad well, which might include some rotation.
And after their dismal performance as they were thrashed 4-0 by Newcastle United at St James’ Park (13 April), a few heads could be set to roll.
Ange Postecoglou to make five Tottenham changes against Arsenal
Guglielmo Vicario is likely to keep his place between the sticks despite conceding four times last time out, with the Italy international unable to do much about any of the goals which he conceded.
Destiny Udogie has been ruled out for the remainder of the season which means Ben Davies could come in to make his first Tottenham appearance in over two months against Arsenal.
According to reliable Spurs insider Paul O Keefe via X (23 April), Pedro Porro is back in training after limping off against Newcastle.
The Spaniard could start at right-back and will be hoping for a much-improved showing after he completed just 82 per cent of his passes while making one error which led to a goal at St James’ Park (Sofascore).
Micky van de Ven had an afternoon to forget against Eddie Howe’s side as he won just 25 per cent of his ground duels and was dribbled past twice, and could be replaced by Radu Dragusin alongside Cristian Romero, who also won just 25 per cent of his ground duels and one of his three aerial duels.
Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma were anonymous against Newcastle, the latter being dribbled past three times and winning zero per cent of his aerial duels, while the former won just 50 per cent of his ground duels and failed to play a key pass.
Pape Matar Sarr and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could both be included to provide more stability in the middle of the park against a free-flowing Arsenal side.
James Maddison did manage four key passes against Newcastle but completed just 25 per cent of his dribbles and one of his three crosses into the box, and the England international will hope to rediscover his best form against Arsenal.
Brennan Johnson is likely to keep his place on the right, while Timo Werner could make way after missing one big chance, succeeding with just one of his three dribble attempts and being dribbled past twice against Newcastle.
Son Heung-min was largely anonymous through the middle against the Magpies, failing to register a shot at goal, and he could be moved back to the left to make way for Richarlison, who is also back in training according to O Keefe (23 April).
In other Tottenham news, the club have been backed to complete a “phenomenal” midfield upgrade after a recent transfer reveal.
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