Postecoglou to axe Werner in four changes – Tottenham predicted XI v Liverpool
Ange Postecoglou could axe Timo Werner from the Tottenham starting XI as part of four changes as they prepare to host Liverpool in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Focuses will turn to the FA Cup on 8 January after a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Newcastle last time out in the Premier League with pressure continuing to pile on Postecoglou.
Liverpool with enter the tie as favourites but Spurs may need to find a win to overcome that if Postecoglou is to remain in a job in England.
In an attempt to do just that, the Australian boss could make as many as four changes to his starting 11 for the game with Werner predicted to be one of those dropped to the bench in favour of a return to the lineup for Son Heung-Min.
Four changes expected for Spurs v Liverpool
Postecoglou somewhat has his hands tied given the constant onslaught of injuries with Destiny Uodgie one of the more recent players to have been ruled out long-term but there is still room for changes against the league leaders.
Brandon Austin could remain in goal despite the recent signing of Antonin Kinsky. The 25-year-old had a fairly solid performance against the Magpies having made two saves while preventing 0.2 xG (FotMob).
Much of the defence is likely to remain the same with Pedro Porro retaining his place at right-back but a change could be made on the opposite side with Sergio Reguilon replacing Djed Spence.
Spence had a fairly reasonable game against Newcastle although his 76 per cent pass accuracy could have been improved but with the injuries at the club, he could be rested.
Archie Gray will almost certainly keep his place at centre-back alongside Radu Dragusin who can count his lucky stars that he is the only fit centre-half at the club given the fact that he recorded a woeful 56 per cent pass accuracy while winning just one defensive duel.
Yves Bissouma could return in midfield to partner Pape Sarr with Lucas Bergvall dropped to the bench.
James Maddison was a bizarre omission from the Spurs lineup against Eddie Howe’s side and could come back into the picture in place of Dejan Kukulsevski who won just 46 per cent of his duels on the day.
Postecoglou must axe Timo Werner for Tottenham
Given the need for a win, Son could be reinstated to the starting 11 after missing out for Werner who was dreadful against the North-East outfit while the remainder of the attacking lineup is likely to stay the same.
Werner completed 0 per cent of his crosses against Newcastle while failing to register a single shot in the clash.
Brennan Johnson was a bright spark for Spurs against Newcastle with an 89 per cent pass accuracy and one chance created while Dominic Solanke should lead the line.
Aside from the fact he is the only natural centre-forward at the club, Solanke scored the only goal of the game for Tottenham last time out from an xG of just 0.46.
In other Tottenham news, Postecoglou has been accused of going “too far” with his comments after the defeat.
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