Solanke returns, midfielder axed – Tottenham predicted XI v Bodø/Glimt
Tottenham are set to travel north of the Arctic Circle for a season-defining clash with Bodø/Glimt.
Ange Postecoglou’s side will play for a place in the UEFA Europa League final at the Aspmyra Stadion on Thursday (8 May).
The Lilywhites hold a 3-1 lead over Bodø/Glimt after the first leg of the semi-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday (1 May).
Spurs are favourites to reach the final in Bilbao, but are without midfielders James Maddison and Lucas Bergvall.
As a result, Postecoglou has some thinking to do and will likely make six changes from the 1-1 Premier League draw with West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday (4 May).
Postecoglou to axe Pape Matar Sarr in six changes v Bodø/Glimt
Guglielmo Vicario had an afternoon to forget against West Ham after the Italian made one error leading to a shot [Sofascore] and was nutmegged at his near post by Jarrod Bowen for the hosts’ equaliser. However, the shot-stopper should keep his place between the sticks in Norway.
In defence, Postecoglou is likely to make four changes. Kevin Danso was relatively solid against West Ham, with the 26-year-old winning four of his six ground duels and six of his seven aerial duels. However, the defender is still likely to be replaced by Cristian Romero, while Micky van de Ven comes in for Ben Davies.
Meanwhile, Archie Gray, who won 100 per cent of his ground duels at the London Stadium, could make way for Pedro Porro while Destiny Udogie returns for Djed Spence, who only won one of his six ground duels against the Hammers.
In midfield, Postecoglou will need to make a change from the first leg, with Maddison expected to miss the rest of the season.
As a result, Dejan Kulusevski and Yves Bissouma are likely to keep their places from the draw with West Ham, while Rodrigo Bentancur returns in place of Pape Matar Sarr.
Sarr won just 50 per cent of his duels and only completed 76 per cent of his passes against Graham Potter’s side, and Postecoglou’s decision to start Bissouma in the first leg suggests the Mali international will be the preferred option alongside Bentancur at the Aspmyra Stadion.
Dominic Solanke returns for Tottenham v Bodø/Glimt
While Maddison and Bergvall will miss out, Solanke should return with Postecoglou confirming on Sunday that Spurs’ medical team are confident the striker will be fit for the clash with Bodø/Glimt.
Solanke scored in the first leg and was accurate with 100 per cent of his long balls while completing 80 per cent of his passes.
As a result, Richarlison is likely to make way after the Brazilian failed with both of his dribble attempts and completed just 44 per cent of his passes against West Ham.
Meanwhile, Mathys Tel and Wilson Odobert will likely keep their places after the former assisted the latter for his first Premier League goal in East London.