Postecoglou makes wrong Solanke decision – Tottenham confirmed XI v Man United
Ange Postecoglou has made the bold decision to include Dominic Solanke in his Tottenham starting lineup for the Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United.
Spurs are heading into the contest at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening (19 December) brimming with confidence after the 5-0 win against Southampton on the weekend, although suggestions Postecoglou is fighting for his job in North London remain.
However, the Australian has rolled the dice with his lineup, as confirmed via the club’s X account [19 December], by selecting Solanke to start the quarter-final.
Destiny Udogie drops to the bench with Pedro Porro returning to the side, as expected, while Djed Spence is pushed to the left side.
Yves Bissouma also returns to the starting lineup, with Lucas Bergvall losing his place to the Mali international.
Ange Postecoglou drops names Tottenham XI v Manchester United
While Postecoglou eased the growing pressure in North London last weekend, it is detrimental that he secures passage into the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup.
Spurs have gone 16 years without silverware, and should the Australian end the supporters’ wait, he would go down as one of the most beloved figures of the Premier League era for the Lilywhites.
However, his decision to include Solanke is a risk, after his display for Tottenham against Southampton.
In a contest wherein Spurs put five goals past the opposition in 45 minutes, the forward couldn’t get a look in and only recorded 13 touches of the ball in 81 minutes of action [Sofascore].
Solanke failed to record a single shot on goal, with his only effort of note blocked, and from his 13 touches, he lost possession four times and completed only 71 per cent of his seven passing attempts.
Furthermore, his defensive side of the game was terrible on the South Coast – her won zero per cent of his ground and aerial duels and committed four fouls.
Manchester United will be well up for the contest after beating rivals Manchester City in a 2-1 win at the Etihad after an Amad Diallo 90th-minute winner – Spurs will need to be at their best to stand a chance of progressing in the Carabao Cup.
Postecoglou has made a risky call by including Solanke in North London, with Son Heung-min able to operate through the middle, and all Tottenham supporters will be praying the decision pays off.
In other Tottenham news, a Spurs windfall update emerges in Dele Alli transfer development.
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