Ange Postecoglou to axe Son Heung-min – Tottenham predicted XI v Newcastle
Ange Postecoglou could axe Son Heung-min in one of three changes when Tottenham take on Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.
Postecoglou’s side will be looking to end a run of three league games without a win when they welcome the Magpies to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 4 January, with the Spurs boss under serious pressure in North London.
Eddie Howe’s side have won their last five matches on the bounce. Therefore, it looks as though it will be an uphill battle for Spurs, especially after news of yet another serious injury setback emerged [via Paul O Keefe, 1 January] ahead of the clash.
This will force Postecoglou into at least one change, and there could be a couple more after some subpar performances in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Wolves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday (29 December).
Ange Postecoglou to make three changes for Tottenham v Newcastle?
Fraser Forster will likely continue between the sticks despite making just one save and preventing -0.14 goals against Wolves [Sofascore] which perhaps highlighted Spurs’ need to sign a brand new number two.
Meanwhile, with Udogie unavailable, Djed Spence will likely come in at left-back after serving a one-match suspension, while Pedro Porro will expect to start at right-back. While the Spaniard did register an assist against Wolves, he also only managed to win two of his five ground duels and complete just 55 per cent of his passes.
However, Postecoglou has little choice but to start Porro, just as he will be forced to once against start Archie Gray and Radu Drăgușin as a centre-back pairing.
Yves Bissouma struggled in midfield last time out, losing both of his ground duels while also being dribbled past twice. However, with Rodrigo Bentancur suspended, Bissouma is likely to play again, while Pape Matar Sarr could come in alongside him.
Ange Postecoglou to axe Son Heung-min for Tottenham v Newcastle?
Further forward, Postecoglou could take a risk.
Son was poor against Wolves, missing a penalty while also zero per cent of his crosses were accurate. Therefore, Postecoglou could decide to drop the South Korean for the clash with Newcastle.
This would likely see Brennan Johnson move to the left, while Dejan Kulusevski would take up the right-wing spot, allowing James Maddison to return to midfield, despite calls for the Englishman to be banned after a recent social media post.
As for the striker, due to the lack of options available to Postecoglou, it is hard to see Dominic Solanke being axed despite the 27-year-old winning just two of his ground duels and failing to complete a successful dribble from three attempts.
In other Tottenham news, a twist has emerged as the club eye a January deal for a brand-new defender.
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