It’s been an up-and-down season for Tottenham Hotspur so far, with most of their highs coming at home.
Their Jekyll and Hyde nature was on full display during their previous two outings when they beat Manchester City in the Carabao Cup just days after producing a completely drab display at Crystal Palace with no wins last weekend
Which iteration of Ange Postecoglou’s Lilywhites will feature this weekend?
Aston Villa pose a tough challenge for Spurs, who will be without key back-up defender Micky van de Ven after he tweaked his hamstring in midweek.
Here’s how Sunday’s hosts could line up Village in what will surely be fascinating Premier League fixed in north London.
GK: William Vicar – It puts your heart in your mouth at times, but Vicario is at least showing a willingness to claim the high ball. He is also improving in possession. The Italian could be busy on this one.
RB: Pedro Porro – The Spaniard enjoyed a bit of a respite in midweek when Archie Gray was headed at right-back. Defensive problems at the back post aside, Porro has enjoyed a good start to the season.
CB: Cristian Romero – Postecoglou hinted that fatigue played a role in Romero’s early withdrawal against Man City and that the vice-captain should be fine to feature on Sunday. Tottenham he desperately needs it.
CB: Radu Dragusin – Dragusin has been excellent during the week and will enjoy a good run in the team following Van de Ven’s injury.
LB: Destiny Udogie – Just when you think he’ll enjoy the night off, Dragusin gets sent off or Van de Ven’s hamstrings start to cramp. Udogie can’t catch a break.
CM: Yves Bissouma – Postecoglou has a tough call in midfield with Rodrigo Bentancur and Pape Matar Sarr both impressing in midweek. Bissouma, however, was fine from the bench and is likely to return to the starting eleven.
CM: James Maddison – Had Maddison started Wednesday’s game, a two-legged pivot might have been more likely in this one. However, with English he could not go ahead against the Cityhe will probably get the go-ahead on sunday.
CM: Dejan Kulusevski – The star of Tottenham’s season so far was superb again on Wednesday night and Villa’s main aim will no doubt be to limit Kulusevski’s influence between the lines.
RW: Brennan Johnson – The Welshman has gone cold after the October break but continues to find himself in scoring positions. Don’t be surprised if he gets back on the scoreboard very soon.
ST: Dominic Solanke – Richarlison’s tidy midweek cameo gives Postecoglou an alternative up top but will not leave Solanke for the visit of Villa. He will earn the night off in Istanbul next Thursday.
LW: Son Heung-min – Terrified son West Ham for 15 minutes and submerged…apparently. The Spurs skipper has missed the last three games through injury but is expected to be fit to start Sunday’s crucial clash.
