Ange Postecoglou has some selection decisions to make as Tottenham take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.
After a two-week break, which Postecoglou used to work with the squad after the defeat to Wolves in the Premier League, he will take on Oliver Glasner, fresh from his debut win in a Palace jersey, and his team this Saturday at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Left-sided defender Destiny Udogie has returned to training, which is a big boost for the way Postecoglou’s team play, although Postecoglou said Pedro Porro is still a week away from recovering from a thigh muscle injury.
Up front, Richarlison suffered a knee injury against Wolves which will keep him out until the end of the international break. Postecoglou could play with captain Son Heung-min in the middle, which would mean that Timo Werner and Brennan Johnson would struggle to get into the team on the left side of the front three.
The Tottenham boss also has to decide who will play in an anchoring role in the middle of the park, with Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur battling it out for that midfield spot between Pape Matar Sarr and James Maddison, who may be more likely to keep their place due to their attacking prowess.
Here’s the Spurs team we think Postecoglou will pick for this weekend’s meeting with Crystal Palace:
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario
The Italian won the London Football Award this week for his performances in goal and will be available for the Palace encounter.
Right-back – Emerson Royal
The Brazilian is likely to keep his place at right-back in the absence of Porro, but will need to make more of an impact further down the line.
Central defender – Cristian Romero
Postecoglou will demand a big performance from his vice-captain in the back row.
Central defender – Micky van de Ven
Spurs will once again look for the Dutchman’s pace on balls that Palace managed to divert across goal.
Left-sided defender – Destiny Udogie
The Italian returned to training this week and should be fit to play this weekend.
Central midfield – Pape Matar Sarr
Sarr may struggle for his place, but Postecoglou needs his energy and versatility.
Central midfield – Yves Bissouma
Bissouma and Bentancur will battle it out for the anchor role, but the Malian’s defensive ability could win the day.
Attacking midfield – James Maddison
Postecoglou need the England international to be in top creative form to get Spurs back on track.
Right wing – Dejan Kulusevski
The Swede scored a fine goal last time out and should continue to contribute in the final third.
Centre forward – Son Heung-min
The South Korean is likely to return to the midfield, where he teamed up well with Maddison at the start of the season.
Left wing – Timo Werner
The injury to Richarlison could see the speedy German return to the attack on the left flank.