Have Tottenham entered six-point relegation territory?
Ange Postecoglou’s side are depleted and required a colossal effort to beat Germany’s 15th best team in the Europa League on Thursday. A 3-2 win over Hoffenheim was Spurs’ third triumph since Christmas, and they remain without a Premier League win since beating Russell Martin’s Southampton in mid-December.
All teenagers Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall could do was collapse on the turf after Tottenham’s success on Thursday night was made official, illustrating the exhaustion currently prevalent in the Lilywhite camp.
But they have to leave. Leicester are a mess despite the manager change and are set to be picked on this weekend. Here’s how Tottenham could line up when the Foxes come to town on Sunday.
GK: Antonin Kinsky – The January arrival cannot yet feature in the Europa League, and although Brandon Austin has performed well in his two appearances, Kinsky is expected to return on Sunday.
RB: Pedro Porro- Teams continue to find success on Porro’s flank, but the Spaniard is often overloaded. He needs constant support. The former Sporting CP full-back showed his value on the ball early in Thursday’s victory.
CB: Radu Dragusin – Cristian Romero is not yet ready to return to action, so Dragusin will continue his journey with the team on Sunday. Jamie Vardy will want this duel.
CB: Ben Davies – Despite his experience at left-back, Davies was almost exclusively used in the heart of Postecoglou’s defence.
LB: Djed Spence – Gray needs rest and the manager hopes the impressive Spence will overcome his knock to be able to play against Leicester.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – There was a bit of rust in possession, but Bentancur provided plenty of industry at the base of Spurs’ midfield in midweek. With Yves Bissouma uncertain, the Uruguayan is expected to get the nod again.
CM: Lucas Bergvall – Bergvall has quickly established himself as a defining figure in the middle of the park, and he will look to continue his brilliant form this weekend.
CM: James Maddison – Tottenham wanted Maddison to step up as he did in the first 45 minutes on Thursday. The Englishman has had a productive season without being exceptional, and Ange is asking Maddison to take Sunday’s game by the scruff of the neck.
AD: Dejan Kulusevski – Kulusevski has been superb this season, but he could use a day off. However, with Spurs’ attacking options few and far between, Ange has no choice but to stick with the Swede on the right.
ST: Richarlison – The Brazilian started well against Hoffenheim and Tottenham will need six weeks of Richarlison without fitness setbacks while Dominic Solanke is sidelined.
LW: Son Heung-min – There wasn’t much to like about Son’s midweek performance, but it was his two goals, the second of which was a vintage strike, that separated the two teams. Moments will be enough at this point for Spurs.
