It is not common for a team to play the same opponent more than once during pre-season but when Tottenham Hotspur take on Bayern Munich later today, it will not be for the first time during preparations.
Bayern ran out 2-1 winners in Seoul, condemning Spurs to their first defeat of the pre-season. Ange Postecoglou has done a remarkable job in preparations despite not having many of his first-teamers in the squad.
Despite this being yet another friendly, the Aussie tactician will be keen to get one over Vincent Kompany when they meet in North London. Playing at home, Spurs will want to send out a statement in front of their supporters.
Tottenham will still be without Richarlison who misses out through an injury but Destiny Udogie is expected to be involved in some capacity. The Lilywhites have welcomed back Cristian Romero, Micky Van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Giovani Lo Celso to training this week in a welcome boost. Emerson Royal is unlikely to be involved, with the player closing in on an AC Milan move, which might have become official by the time of the game.
So, how could Postecoglou set his team up?
The easiest position to predict is who will start in goal. Guglielmo Vicario is expected to start between the posts. In front of him could be a back four of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies. Alternatively, the Aussie tactician could choose to start Micky van de Ven instead of Romero depending on who is feeling better after training.
The holding midfield duo is likely to be the tried and test Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr pairing, although Archie Gray could be afforded a start instead of the former following his impressive pre-season performances. James Maddison is sure to start in the #10 role.
Dejan Kulusevski and Brennan Johnson are expected to start on either wing, although a case can be made for Timo Werner from the left. Captain Son Heung-min is expected to start as the striker in the absence of Richarlison, while Spurs continue to wait for Dominic Solanke to be announced.
Off the bench, the likes of Lo Celso, Bentancur, Gray (if he doesn’t start), Van de Ven (if he doesn’t start), Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence are likely to get chances. Spurs will be hoping for a winning start to their home season. Let’s see if Ange Postecoglou can get one over Vincent Kompany at the N17.
What do you think about our formation? What changes would you make? Let us know in the comments box!
