Tottenham Hotspur, eager to rebound from their FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, face Brentford in a crucial midweek clash. Manager Ange Postecoglou seeks a response from his team and may opt for strategic changes in the lineup. This encounter kicks off a busy period for Spurs, followed by a trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Saturday.
Alasdair Gold, Tottenham Hotspur correspondent for football.london, proposes injecting creativity into the squad by starting James Maddison, who has been absent from the starting lineup for two-and-a-half months.
Maddison’s inclusion could see Dejan Kulusevski moving to the right of the front three, potentially benching Brennan Johnson. Gold suggests that Maddison’s vision and playmaking abilities might unlock Timo Werner’s potential on the left.
In the center of the pitch, Gold recommends giving Oliver Skipp a start, citing his positive contributions in recent appearances. Skipp could replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, providing fresh legs and energy. Gold also contemplates the idea of giving Radu Dragusin a start in the defense, considering the tight schedule and the need to manage the playing time of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Gold’s suggested lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Skipp, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Werner.
Rob Guest, football writer, also presents a reshaped lineup, highlighting the opportunity to give Radu Dragusin his first start for Tottenham.
Guest sees this as a chance for the Romanian defender to gain Premier League experience, especially with two matches scheduled in quick succession. Micky van de Ven may be rested, allowing Cristian Romero’s leadership to come to the forefront.
In midfield, Guest introduces James Maddison, emphasizing his creativity as a pivotal factor in Spurs’ attacking strategy. Maddison’s inclusion prompts Dejan Kulusevski to shift to the right wing, while Timo Werner retains his position on the left. Brennan Johnson, who started in the FA Cup defeat, is placed on the bench in this proposed lineup.
Guest’s suggested lineup: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Dragusin, Udogie; Hojbjerg, Bentancur, Maddison; Kulusevski, Richarlison, Werner.
As Tottenham navigates this crucial period, the proposed lineup variations reflect the managerial decisions Postecoglou faces. The inclusion of Maddison and potential starts for Dragusin and Skipp underline the need for a balance between experience and fresh energy to secure positive results against Brentford and Everton. Spurs fans eagerly anticipate the impact of these tactical adjustments as their team seeks to climb the Premier League table.