As Tottenham Hotspur prepares for a challenging Premier League fixture against Everton at Goodison Park, Ben and Sim from Tottenham TV have shared their predictions for the Spurs lineup. The match, set for a 12:30 kickoff on Saturday, is anticipated to be a tough encounter, especially under Everton manager Sean Dyche’s guidance.
Injury News and Player Availability
The good news for Tottenham is the return of Pape Matar Sarr, who is back and available for selection. However, his start in the game remains uncertain due to his recent involvement in the African Cup of Nations. Manuel Solomon is still about a month away from returning, while Lo Celso and Sessegnon continue to be out for this fixture.
Predicted Formation and Starting XI
Ben and Sim predict that Tottenham will stick with a 4-3-3 formation, despite the possibility of switching to a three-at-the-back system to match Everton’s tactical setup.
- Goalkeeper: In goal, they expect Guglielmo Vicario to start. His role will be crucial, especially in dealing with Everton’s threat from set pieces and crosses.
- Defence: The right-back position could see a change, but they predict Pedro Porro will retain his spot despite recent performances. In central defence, Cristian Romero is expected to start, bringing his aggressive and front-foot defending style. In the left centre back role, Micky Van de Ven is predicted to start due to his pace and importance in pressing high. Destiny Udogie is also expected to start, given his physicality and crucial role in the team.
- Midfield: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is predicted to start in the defensive midfield role, bringing his combative nature to the game. Pape Matar Sarr, despite the uncertainty around his fitness, is expected to play a key role in balancing the midfield. James Maddison is also predicted to start, bringing creativity and control to the midfield.
- Attack: On the right wing, Dejan Kulusevski is expected to start, with his ability to operate in tight spaces being crucial against Everton’s compact defence. Up front, Richarlison is likely to lead the line against his former club, bringing his non-stop running and effort. On the left wing, they predict Timo Werner will start, providing pace and directness.
Tactical Considerations
Ben and Sim emphasise the importance of Tottenham’s players being physically and mentally prepared for a tough battle against Everton. They highlight the need for the team to match Everton’s intensity and physicality, especially in midfield and defence. The selection of players like Hojbjerg and Sarr in midfield is seen as crucial in winning the midfield battle and providing the necessary support for the attackers.
Conclusion
The predicted lineup reflects Tottenham’s need to balance physicality with technical ability in what is expected to be a challenging away fixture. The selection of players like Romero, Hojbjerg, and Sarr indicates a strategy to combat Everton’s physical approach, while players like Madison and Werner provide the creative spark needed to break down a resilient Everton defense. As always, the final lineup will depend on the tactical approach decided by the manager and the fitness levels of the players.
