Kulusevski returns, Spence axed – Tottenham predicted XI v Frankfurt
Ange Postecoglou could axe Djed Spence in one of seven changes when Tottenham travel to Germany to play Eintracht Frankfurt.
Postecoglou faces arguably the biggest game of his entire career when the Australian and his players travel to Deutsche Bank Park on Thursday (17 April).
After drawing 1-1 with Frankfurt in the first leg of the two clubs’ UEFA Europa League last-eight tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (10 April), Postecoglou knows victory is needed to reach the semi-finals.
However, it appears as though victory is also needed if the 59-year-old wants to avoid being sacked by Daniel Levy.
Therefore, the Spurs boss needs to get his team selection spot on and is likely to make a host of changes from the 4-2 Premier League defeat against Wolves at Molineux on Sunday (13 April), which left Jamie O’Hara embarrassed.
Postecoglou ‘to axe Spence for Tottenham v Frankfurt’
Guglielmo Vicario had an awful afternoon for Tottenham against Wolves, conceding four times and making one error which led to a shot [Sofascore]. However, the Italian is likely to keep his place, although there might be plenty of changes in front of him.
Djed Spence, who saw Vicario’s attempted clearance deflect off him and into his own net against Wolves, could be replaced by Destiny Udogie, who started the first leg against Frankfurt.
Meanwhile, Archie Gray, who lost all three of his ground duels and failed to provide an accurate cross from four attempts at Molineux, should be replaced by Pedro Porro at right-back, while Micky van de Ven comes in for Ben Davies, with Cristian Romero the only defender keeping his place despite the Tottenham man’s “disgraceful” actions in the West Midlands.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are likely to be replaced by Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall.
Bissouma was dribbled past once and won just 50 per cent of his ground duels against Wolves, while Sarr did even worse, winning just 25 per cent of his ground duels and also being dribbled past once, with the midfield duo hooked in the 55th minute.
James Maddison offered slightly more against Vítor Pereira’s side, playing three key passes with a 91 per cent overall accuracy, and will expect to keep his place.
Kulusevski to return for Tottenham v Frankfurt
Kulusevski returned off the bench against Wolves and could be reintroduced to the starting lineup in Germany, considering the importance of the match with Frankfurt.
The Swede could come in for Brennan Johnson on the right, who, despite providing an assist, once again disappointed on the whole against Wolves, with just 25 per cent of the Welshman’s crosses accurate.
Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke should keep his place even after a dreadful display last time out, which saw him lose all eight of his duels, while Son Heung-min returns from injury on the left, with Mathys Tel making way.