Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham are running on fumes, but the Australian boss will take solace in knowing his side’s schedule does lighten up somewhat in January.
After Brighton ended their three-game winning streak on Thursday night, Postecoglou finds himself in yet another challenging situation early in his career due to their mounting list of ailments and suspensions.
Key players who were instrumental in their early success will eventually return, but for the time being, Postecoglou has to hope that his current group of players can accumulate enough points from their remaining games to maintain a slim four-point lead.
Here’s how the Spurs could lineup for their Sunday afternoon matchup against a rampaging Bournemouth.
On Thursday night, not even Guglielmo Vicario could save Tottenham | Julian Finney/GettyImages
GK: Vicario GuglielmoVicario was unable to salvage Spurs on Thursday, and if the hosts are to win on Sunday, you get a feeling he will need to play at his peak.
RB: Pedro Porro – Following up his last assist, the Spaniard is an obvious choice at right-back.
CB: Emerson Royal – After his lackluster performance against Brighton, Postecoglou is probably going to choose the Brazilian over Eric Dier for the foreseeable future.
Ben Davies, CBSpurs threatened a late comeback at the Amex thanks to the Welshman’s goal, but after a difficult first 75 minutes, they had far too much work ahead of them.
LB: Destiny Udogie – One of the select few starts from the incredible first ten games who is available for Bournemouth’s visit due to a suspension or injury.
Oliver Skipp, DMSkipp was sidelined by a knock on Thursday, but if he recovers by Sunday, he should be able to return to the starting lineup against Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr – Following Brighton’s victory, Postecoglou discussed his team’s exhaustion, but Sarr is still a tenacious presence in the middle of the park.
CM: Giovani Lo Celso – Given that Dejan Kulusevski is suspended, Lo Celso must be included. The Argentine needs to lead the midfield with inventiveness.
RW: Brennan Johnson – Despite being one of the Spurs players who is currently experiencing physical hardships during the holiday season, the winger will be chosen over Bryan Gil down the right.
ST: Richarlison – Despite having a shot that kissed the post, Richarlison’s scoring run was broken in the middle of the week. Alejo Veliz will stay up top even if he scored his first Premier League goal at Brighton.
LW: Son Heung-minAgainst the Cherries, Postecoglou wants his captain to step up significantly. In spite of his recent struggles, the South Korean has been productive.
