Have Tottenham entered six-point relegation territory?
Ange Postecoglou’s side are on the back foot and it took a huge effort to defeat Germany’s 15th-best side in the Europa League on Thursday. 3-2 victory at Hoffenheim it was Spurs’ third win since Christmas, and they are without one Premier League win since they beat Russell Martin’s Southampton in mid-December.
All teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could do was fall to the turf after Tottenham’s success was made official on Thursday night, showing the exhaustion currently prevailing over the Lilywhite pitch.
But they have to go back. Leicester are a disaster despite a change of manager and are ripe for the picking this weekend. Here’s how Tottenham could line up when the Foxes come to town on Sunday.
GK: Antonin Kinsky – The arrival of January cannot yet appear in the Europa Leagueand while Brandon Austin has acquitted himself well in his two appearances, Kinsky should be back on Sunday.
RB: Pedro Porro – Teams continue to have success on Porro’s side, but the Spaniard is often overworked. It needs constant support. The former Sporting CP full-back showed his mettle on the ball early in Thursday’s win.
CB: Radu Dragusin – Cristian Romero is not yet ready to return to action, so Dragusin will continue his run with the team on Sunday. Jamie Vardy will love this duel.
CB: Ben Davies – Despite his experience at left-back, Davies has been used almost exclusively at the heart of Postecoglou’s defence.
LB: Djed Spence – Gray needs rest and the manager hopes the impressive Spence will get over his knock to play against Leicester.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – There was some rust in possession but Bentancur provided plenty of industry at the base of Spurs’ midfield in midweek. With the doubt of Yves Bissouma, the Uruguayan should once again get the head.
CM: Lucas Bergvall – Bergvall has quickly established himself as an instrumental figure in the middle of the park, and will look to continue his brilliant run of form this weekend.
CM: James Maddison – Tottenham have yearned Maddison to rise as it did in the first 45 minutes on Thursday. The Englishman has enjoyed a productive season without being featured, and Ange is demanding Maddison take Sunday’s game by the scruff of the neck.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – Kulusevski has been excellent this season but could do with the day off. However, with Spurs’ limited attacking options, Ange has had no choice but to stick with the Swede on the right.
ST: Richarlison – The Brazilian started well against Hoffenheim and Tottenham will need six weeks of Richarlison without physical setbacks, while Dominic Solanke is sidelined.
LW: Son Heung-min – There wasn’t much to like about Son’s midweek performance, but it was his two goals, the second of which was an epochal strike, that separated the two teams. Moments will serve at this point for the Spurs.
