credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Fri 9 May 2025 13:20, UK

Ange Postecoglou could make six changes to his Tottenham side to face Crystal Palace on Sunday, with Richarlison potentially set to drop out.

The Lilywhites are coming off the back of the highest of highs after reaching a Europa League final thanks to a 2-0 win against Bodo/Glimt away.

Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro were enough to secure a 5-1 aggregate win and set up a clash against Manchester United in Bilbao.

Before that, Spurs have a clash against Crystal Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to play on 11 May, with Postecoglou likely to make a number of changes.

This could see Richarlison face the axe for the game in North London, among a potential further five alterations to the starting 11.

Richarlison axed for Tottenham v Crystal Palace

Despite constant rotation in recent weeks, Guglielmo Vicario has remained in net and could be set to maintain a run of starts after making two saves in mid-week [FotMob].

With that being said, two changes could be utilised ahead of the Italian, although Porro and Cristian Romero may keep their places in the side after picking up a goal and an assist in respectively in Norway.

This could see Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie be rested, after the latter lost three duels and was unsuccessful with three tackles against Bodo/Glimt, with Kevin Danso and Djed Spence potentially set to return to the side.

Another double change could be utilised in midfield with Pape Sarr and Archie Gray potentially set to come in to join Dejan Kulusevski, who is likely to keep his place.

This could see the youthful pair replace Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur in the side after the Uruguayan failed to complete a dribble while losing six duels despite the success of the Europa League win.

Postecoglou may once again look to rest a number of players in his forward line with Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert potentially set to come in.

This could see Brennan Johnson and Richarlison face the axe, especially after the latter had a zero per cent shot accuracy while also losing three duels as he generally failed to contribute at Aspmyra Stadion.

This winger pairing could be set to feature alongside Solanke again after he completed the most dribbles and won the most duels on the pitch last time out.

Tottenham won’t care about Crystal Palace result

As bad as it sounds, there will be very little worry about picking up a positive result against Palace with a European final on the line.

No player will want to pick up a needless injury and risk their availability for the clash against Man United after months of effort to get to this point.

As a result, Postecoglou will put little importance on a league game against the Eagles, given that Spurs have little to play for in the Premier League.

It will certainly be interesting to see how it goes, but it does feel likely that a large number of changes will be utilised to keep the squad fresh.