Tottenham lineup decisions loom ahead of Premier League clash at Ipswich | OneFootball

Tottenham’s Tactical Choices Ahead of Ipswich Clash

As Tottenham Hotspur prepare for their Premier League encounter against Ipswich Town at Portman Road, head coach Ange Postecoglou faces intriguing selection dilemmas. With a mid-week fixture against Manchester City looming, strategic squad rotation could be pivotal.

Defensive Dynamics

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario’s return from injury in last weekend’s narrow 1-0 victory over Manchester United provides stability at the back. The defensive line, which contributed to the clean sheet against the Red Devils, may remain unchanged. However, Destiny Udogie’s push for inclusion adds a selection headache. Djed Spence’s outstanding performances at left-back, earning consecutive man-of-the-match accolades, make his position seemingly secure. Postecoglou might consider shifting Spence to right-back to rest Pedro Porro, especially with the Manchester City match in mind.

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Midfield Manoeuvres

The midfield trio presents a conundrum, given the depth of talent available. James Maddison, who netted the decisive goal against United, is expected to retain his role as the central playmaker. A partnership of Rodrigo Bentancur and Lucas Bergvall could offer a blend of dynamism and technical prowess alongside Maddison. Alternatively, Pape Matar Sarr and Yves Bissouma are viable options, while the impressive 18-year-old Archie Gray, who adeptly filled in at centre-half, may be rewarded with a midfield start.

Attacking Alternatives

In the forward line, Dejan Kulusevski’s versatility allows him to drop into a deeper role if required. The competition for attacking positions is fierce, with Wilson Odobert, Brennan Johnson, Mikey Moore, and Timo Werner all staking claims for inclusion. Captain Heung-min Son might be rested to preserve his fitness for the upcoming City clash, though a second-half substitution appears more probable. With Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf) sidelined, Mathys Tel is poised to lead the attack.

Injury Insights

Defensive stalwarts Micky van de Ven (fitness) and Cristian Romero (thigh) are unlikely to feature, while Radu Dragusin’s season has been curtailed by a cruciate ligament injury. These absences necessitate strategic adjustments in the defensive setup.

Projected Tottenham Starting XI (4-3-3):

Vicario; Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Kulusevski, Son, Tel.

This fixture offers Tottenham an opportunity to extend their winning streak and build momentum ahead of the challenging encounter with Manchester City. Ipswich, currently grappling with relegation concerns, will aim to capitalise on any complacency from the visitors. However, Tottenham’s depth and recent form position them as favourites to secure a favourable result.