Tottenham Hotspur is gearing up for another crucial Premier League fixture, facing Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend with an opportunity to secure a place in the top four. The team’s recent form has been promising, extending their unbeaten run to four games, but a late equalizer against Everton denied them all three points in their last outing.
The setback against Everton, coupled with Aston Villa’s resounding 5-0 victory over Sheffield United, has left Tottenham trailing their top-four rivals by a mere two points. The upcoming clash against Brighton presents a chance for Spurs to bridge that gap and solidify their position among the league’s elite.
Brighton, currently sitting in eighth place, is not to be underestimated. The Seagulls enter the match fresh off a convincing 4-1 triumph over Crystal Palace. Managed by Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton has adeptly navigated the challenges of both European and Premier League competitions this season, making them a formidable opponent.
Injuries that plagued Tottenham in recent weeks have eased, providing manager Ange Postecoglou with more options. Players like Micky van de Ven, James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Dejan Kulusevski have all returned to full fitness, bolstering the squad.
A significant boost for Spurs comes with the conclusion of captain Son Heung-min’s AFC Asian Cup campaign. Having reached the semi-final stage with South Korea, Son is poised to make his return to the squad after his last appearance in the 3-1 win over Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.
Son’s impressive performances in the tournament, contributing three goals and an assist in six games, highlight his potential impact on Tottenham’s attacking prowess.
Yves Bissouma, who represented Mali in the African Cup of Nations, is also expected to be back in contention, providing additional depth to the squad.
However, not all injury concerns have subsided for Postecoglou, with Ryan Sessegnon, Giovanni Lo Celso, and Manor Solomon still sidelined. As Spurs prepare to face Brighton, the availability of key players and the manager’s tactical decisions will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this crucial Premier League encounter.