Tottenham XI v Brighton: Ange Postecoglou to axe Dejan Kulusevski for Giovani Lo Celso
Tottenham will look to record their fourth consecutive Premier League win when they travel to the Amex Stadium to take on Brighton on Thursday, 28 December.
It has been a largely positive December so far for Ange Postecoglou’s side. After failing to pick up any points in November, Spurs have amassed 10 from the 15 available to them this month.
Victories against Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Everton have helped lift the mood in north London and the club will look to continue that positive momentum on the south Coast.
Despite Brighton’s poor league form in recent months, Postecoglou will know the quality his team are up against, and will therefore have to get his team selection spot on.
Guglielmo Vicario will be expected to start between the sticks. The Itallian has cemented himself as the club’s undisputed number one since his arrival in the summer and had arguably his best game in a Spurs shirt to date against Everton last time out (23 December).
As per Sofascore, the former Empoli shot-stopper prevented 1.48 goals and made seven saves, with six of those coming from inside the box, as he helped his side hold on for a 2-1 win.
Destiny Udogie is likely to return at left-back following a one-match suspension which kept him out against the Toffees.
Ben Davies could continue at the heart of defence after yet another confident display. The Wales international made three clearances, blocked one shot, made one interception and won two of his three ground duels against Sean Dyche’s side.
Cristian Romero was forced off at half-time against Everton after feeling some tightness in his hamstring but is expected to be fit for the trip to Brighton (Evening Standard, 26 December). If the Argentina international is even 80 per cent match-ready, Postecoglou is likely to throw him in considering his importance to the team.
Throughout his 45 minutes on the pitch against Everton the 25-year-old completed 95 per cent of his passes, won two ground duels, played four accurate long balls forward and made one tackle.
Pedro Porro is likely to continue at right-back, as is Pape Matar Sarr in midfield. Oliver Skipp was handed his first start since August against Everton and will certainly feel as if he did enough to keep his place with Yves Bissouma still suspended.
The Englishman impressed throughout, completing 92 per cent of his passes, winning four of his five ground duels and making two tackles. It is in front of Skipp where Postecoglou could look to make a change.
Dejan Kulusevski once again started in an advanced midfield position but struggled to make the same impact he did against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. While the Swede did play three key passes and provide one accurate cross into the box, he was unsuccessful with all three of the dribbles he attempted and won just seven of his 16 ground duels.
Meanwhile, Giovani Lo Celso impressed throughout his cameo appearance, making three tackles, winning all four of his ground duels, succeeding with his one dribble attempt and completing 88 per cent of his passes during his 17 minutes on the pitch.
Therefore, Postecoglou could benefit by providing Kulusevski with some rest and offering Lo Celso a start, especially with a quick turnaround in mind as the Australian prepares for the visit of high-flying Bournemouth on Sunday 31 December.
Son Heung-min is unlikely to be dropped after yet another goalscoring display while Brennan Johnson is expected to start on the right following his assist and five key passes against Everton.
Richarlison continued his fine run of form against his former side, scoring his fourth goal in three games, and although he was substituted in the 63rd minute after complaining of some back pain, Postecoglou told the media after the match that he doesn’t suspect the issue is “anything serious,” and the Brazillian will therefore expect to start again and look to make it five in four against the Seagulls.
In other Tottenham news, one expert has mooted trouble for Brighton ahead of the showdown with Spurs.