Ange Postecoglou to axe Pape Matar Sarr in two changes – Tottenham predicted XI v Fulham
Ange Postecoglou could be set to axe Pape Matar Sarr from his starting lineup for the Tottenham game against Fulham on Saturday (16 March).
The Senegalese international started in the 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on 10 March, where he set up James Maddison for the opening goal.
But the 21-year-old midfielder struggled slightly at times during the game and could be set to drop back down to the bench for the clash at Craven Cottage.
Postecoglou will largely want to play a similar side to the one that recorded such an emphatic win at Villa Park, where the Lilywhites took a major step towards securing a place in the Champions League for next season against their rivals for the top four.
With that in mind, Guglielmo Vicario is expected to maintain his place in goal after recording his seventh clean sheet of the campaign against Villa and registering a hugely impressive 100 per cent pass accuracy [SofaScore].
Pedro Porro is likely to start at right-back after he was in fine form again on Sunday, having made three tackles and blocked one shot throughout the afternoon.
A solid performance from Cristian Romero saw the centre-back win all four of his ground duels as he limited the threats posed by Ollie Watkins, meaning he is predicted to line up in the heart of defence.
The Argentine is unlikely to line up alongside Micky van de Ven after he was taken off with a hamstring problem against Villa, with his replacement Radu Dragusin likely to deputise for him after making one clearance and one interception after coming off the bench on 49 minutes.
Destiny Udogie, who recorded an excellent 98 per cent pass accuracy last time out, is expected to line up on the left-hand side of the defence against the Cottagers.
Yves Bissouma is likely to continue in midfield after his commanding display against Villa, where he had 108 touches of the ball, gave away possession just three times and made three tackles.
But he could be partnered this time in the middle of the park by Rodrigo Bentancur in place of Sarr, who recorded an 83 per cent pass success rate in the West Midlands, after Postecoglou has rotated between the trio in recent weeks.
Despite being a bit sloppy in possession as he gave away the ball 19 times, Dejan Kulusevski may still keep his place on the right-hand side of the attack in West London.
James Maddison is expected to continue in attacking midfield, having got on the scoresheet in what was a decent afternoon for the England international in Birmingham.
Brennan Johnson is likely to start on the left wing, with his goal against the Villans – alongside his four successful dribbles – potentially giving him the edge over Timo Werner despite the German also getting on the scoresheet off the bench.
That means Son Heung-min is expected to lead the line again after he scored and assisted twice last time out, with the Spurs captain hoping to provide a similar impact at Craven Cottage.
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