Ben Wylie

Fri 21 April 2023 11:00, UK

Following a shock home defeat to Bournemouth last week, Cristian Stellini will be forced into at least one change as his Tottenham side takes on Newcastle this Sunday (23 April).

In recent weeks, Tottenham has gone from being in with a good chance at a top-four finish to fighting for any form of European football, losing ground to both Manchester United and Newcastle – despite having played a game more than both sides and now sitting just three points ahead of sixth-placed Aston Villa.

Stellini now has the troublesome task of a visit to St James’ Park, a ground which hosts Newcastle have lost just once at all season, as the Magpies will be looking to further extend their gap on the Lilywhites (Transfermarkt).

For Spurs, despite conceding three last time out to Bournemouth, captain Hugo Lloris is expected to keep his place in goal, with Ivan Perisic, Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, and Pedro Porro all expected to join the Frenchman in the backline.

However, following the events of last weekend that saw Clement Lenglet limp off with an injury and Davidson Sanchez replacing him only to be substituted himself owing to his poor performance and resolute booing from the fans, Stellini has a decision to make.

Sanchez is clearly the Italian’s first choice as deputy, however, last Saturday (15 April) was a painful watch, and Spurs do still have Japhet Tangnaga fit and able to come into the side.

Playing just 23 minutes before being withdrawn, Sanchez did make two tackles, but he was dribbled by once, lost possession twice, and failed to win any of his aerial duals (SofaScore).

Given his reception from the fans, it’s likely Stellini may air on the side of caution and go with Tanganaga from the off, with the academy graduate appearing the safer choice.

Further up the field, a midfield pairing of Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg all but pick themselves, whilst Harry Kane and Heung Min-Son are also expected to start.

Whilst Dejan Kulusevski has largely had ownership over the third attacking spot, January signing Arnuat Danjuma did impress last weekend with a well-taken goal, and is Richarlison also supposedly fit enough to start from the off.

This again leaves Stellini with a decision on his hands, but owing to the fact Newcastle will likely be a tough enough test already, it’s likely he will stick rather than twist and deploy Kulusevski despite the forward’s underwhelming return of just two goals and six assists this season.

In other Tottenham news, Spurs would be nowhere without Kane as fresh PSG links emerge.