Postecoglou readies shock start after update – Tottenham predicted XI v Elfsborg
Ange Postecoglou may recall Micky van de Ven to his Tottenham line-up when they face IF Elfsborg in the Europa League on Thursday.
The Australian will be desperate for a victory against the Swedish outfit on 30 January that would secure automatic progression to the round of 16, especially after the dismal 2-1 loss to Leicester on Sunday.
Antonin Kinsky is not registered for the competition so will miss out and Postecoglou confirmed in his pre-match press conference that James Maddison, Djed Spence and Christian Romero will also not feature.
However, Pape Matar Sarr and the Dutchman are expected to return to the matchday squad in a welcome boost for the Lilywhites boss.
Tottenham to make six changes against Elfsborg
Brandon Austin is expected to start in between the sticks with Kinsky not registered and Guglielmo Vicario still absent through injury.
The former Celtic man may be forced to stick with a makeshift back four of Pedro Porro, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Archie Gray after the Australian confirmed that Van de Ven, who has completed 91 per cent of his passes when fit [Fotmob] will be given some minutes.
Postecoglou suggested that the Dutchman could start the clash and it would make sense to take him off after a predetermined time if he does, with Gray ready off the bench in that scenario.
Lucas Bergvall was Spurs’ best performer against Leicester, creating two chances and completing 38 of his 42 passes [Fotmob] but he is expected to be rested after starting six of seven matches in January.
Maddison starred in the 3-2 win over Hoffenheim last Thursday (23 January), scoring and notching an assist but he missed the defeat to the Foxes and Postecoglou confirmed that he will remain out.
Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up with Yves Bissouma who made an error that led to a goal in the defeat to Arsenal and has not started since, to start alongside him.
17-year-old Callum Olusesi may also start in midfield due to Maddison’s absence and Bergvall needing a rest, he recorded his first Spurs start in the win over Hoffenheim in a one-minute cameo and could be handed a maiden start for the senior side on Thursday.
In attack, Mikey Moore may replace Son Heung-Min as the latter will be needed to lead the line against Brentford (2 February), the 17-year-old completed four dribbles from seven attempts and created two chances in his last start in the 3-0 victory against Tamworth on 12 January.
Given the fact that Dominic Solanke remains on the sidelines, Will Lankshear could be given a chance to impress, he completed 67 per cent of his passes and made two recoveries as he put in a shift defensively in an 11-minute cameo against Hoffenheim.
Dejan Kulusevski is expected to start as the senior figure in attack, he created two chances on Sunday and had four touches in the opposition box, recording one shot on target.
The Lilywhites can secure automatic progression to the next round with a win and bypass the playoff round, which has to be the ultimate goal.
In other Tottenham news, Spurs could make a move for a £25m Rangers ace in the winter transfer window.
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