Postecoglou axes Sarr in two changes – Tottenham predicted XI v Aston Villa
Ange Postecoglou could axe Pape Matar Sarr in two changes to his side for Tottenham’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa.
The Lilywhites travel to Villa Park on Sunday (9 February) as they look to extend their stay in one domestic cup after failing to get to the final of the Carabao Cup after losing to Liverpool.
Postecoglou will be without Richarlison after he was withdrawn after the first half against Liverpool with an injury.
However, the Aussie may also opt to bring Sarr out of the side as he looks to change his set-up now he has reinforcements in the door.
Sarr misses out after Tottenham shocker
There were no standout performers in Tottenham’s loss against Liverpool on Thursday (6 February) with the Reds deservedly coming away winners after a dominant performance.
Although Postecoglou’s side put in a solid first-half display, they were not able to defend their 1-0 lead all night and once Liverpool got going, the floodgates opened.
It was an evening to forget for Antonin Kinsky who gave away and conceded a penalty, as well as conceding three other goals on the night.
However, the young goalkeeper is expected to keep his place in the side and he will be eager to put things right after that performance.
Pedro Porro could come into the defensive line to join new signing Kevin Danso as well as Ben Davies and Djed Spence.
Danso put in a solid display in the Carabao Cup semi-final, performing eight defensive actions on the night and winning the majority of his duels too [FotMob].
This would then see Archie Gray move into the midfield, replacing Sarr, to join Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Gray has coped well in tough circumstances being thrown into the Spurs starting line-up amid injury issues.
The 18-year-old had a 75 per cent passing rate against Liverpool and 50 per cent of his crosses were accurate too showing that the boss could well make use of Gray in the other position he has played through his career so far.
Sarr, on the other hand, had a disappointing night on Thursday and was taken off after 57 minutes.
Although the Lilywhites had opted for a more defensive performance, the 22-year-old had just 23 touches throughout his time on the pitch and a 50 per cent rate for successful dribbles, showing his struggles to get into the game.
Meanwhile, his defensive work lacked too as he lost six of his eight duels which could see Postecoglou opt to make this change in the side.
Mathys Tel to make full Tottenham debut v Aston Villa
With attacking options now starting to look limited too through injury issues, Son Heung-min is expected to retain his place in the starting line-up, alongside Dejan Kulusevski.
Richarlison was forced off against the Reds after suffering with an injury which could keep him sidelined looking ahead.
However, with only one touch in the opposition box before he left the pitch, it’s not as though he was offering the most groundbreaking performance either.
Mathys Tel came on in his place and could be set for his full Spurs debut on Sunday.
The 19-year-old failed to get into the game against Liverpool in the way he would have liked with him also having one touch in the opposition’s box and 18 across his time on the pitch.
However, his manager will need him to step up now and show why the North London club were right to carry out their pursuit of his services.