Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham have had a mixed start to 2024, failing to win two Premier League games since Christmas.
The points lost at Everton were a bitter pill to swallow, but Spurs deserved it given the pressure they were forced to endure in the final minutes of the game.
Nevertheless, Ange’s team continues to strengthen and the return of Son Heung-Min from international duty will undoubtedly be a big boost for the team’s Champions League hopes.
Saturday’s opponents, Brighton, beat the Lilywhites 4-2 in December, meaning Spurs will be looking for revenge this weekend. Here’s how Postecoglou could prepare his team for the visit of the Seagulls.
Tottenham’s expected line-up against Brighton (4-3-3):
Vicario – Vicario suffered his first slip-up in a Spurs jersey as his vulnerability from set-pieces was exploited by Everton in the 2-2 draw.
RB: Pedro Porro – The Spaniard has endured a couple of quiet spells in possession, but will take comfort in knowing that his Senegalese shield will be back in the starting eleven this weekend.
CB: Cristian Romero – The Argentine must be picturing Seamus Coleman screaming in his face in his mind. Expect some crunching tackles on Saturday.
CB: Micky van de Ven – This guy can play. Van de Ven was Spurs’ best player at Goodison, and the hosts will need him to combat Brighton’s threat at the back.
LB: Destiny Udogie – The Italian has produced several attacking actions in recent games and will be in the squad this weekend.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – The Uruguayan hasn’t quite been firing since making a quick return from an ankle injury. Bentancur will be looking to impress in the middle of the park following the return of Yves Bissouma from AFCON.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr – The Senegalese is an important link in Tottenham’s midfield and Ange won’t hesitate to bring Sarr back into the squad after he appeared on the bench last Saturday.
CM: James Maddison – The Englishman hasn’t quite taken charge of the game since his return, but he has registered two assists in the previous two games.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – The Swede earned a rare appearance on the bench in the last round, but when he came on, he struggled to make a positive impact. He will return to the starting eleven on Saturday.
ST: Richarlison – Nine goals in as many Premier League games? That’s what it looks like to take action in the absence of Spurs’ South Korean sharpshooter.
LW: Timo Werner – Son should be back in the squad for Saturday’s game, but it’s more likely he’ll play on the bench.