Tottenham XI vs AZ Alkmaar: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Europa League

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Evening Standard

·12 March 2025

Tottenham XI vs AZ Alkmaar: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Europa League

Spurs need to turn things around after first leg defeat but have been boosted by recent returns

Boost: Micky van de Ven could start for Tottenham against AZ Alkmaar

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Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero could play together for the first time since December 8 in Tottenham's Europa League last-16 decider against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.

With Kevin Danso missing with a hamstring injury and Radu Dragusin out for the season, Ange Postecoglou has little choice but to start the pair after Romero came through an hour against Bournemouth on Saturday before being replaced by Van de Ven.

Postecoglou faces a decision at full-back, where Pedro Porro, Djed Spence and Destiny Udogie are fighting for two places.

Porro's progressive passing is likely to see him keep his place at right-back, while Udogie has struggled for form since returning to fitness, potentially giving Spence an advantage on the other side.

Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended after being booked in the first leg, which Spurs lost 1-0 in Alkmaar, leaving Lucas Bergvall and Yves Bissouma competing to start at No6.

Bissouma was hooked at half-time in the 2-2 draw with the Cherries, so may drop to the bench, while James Maddison is likely to come into the side.

Postecoglou also faces a tough choice in the front three. Dominic Solanke and Heung-min Son are certain starters but Brennan Johnson, Mathys Tel, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore -- who was outstanding against AZ in the initial phase back in October -- could all start on the right.

Johnson is a safe pick, Tel has the big-game experience in Europe but Odobert's ability to beat his man potentially puts him in pole position to start.