Tottenham Hotspur aim to get back their season on track when they travel to the Ibrox to face Rangers in the Europa League.
Not only will this be a mouthwatering clash between the two British clubs competing for the top eight, it also is for the fact that Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will return to Glasgow where he led Rangers’ traditional rivals Celtic to two Scottish Premiership titles. The Greek-Aussie tactician goes into this tie under increasing pressure though, after his side threw a 2-0 lead away to lose 4-3 at home to London rivals Chelsea at the weekend in the Premier League.
The North Londoners have also dropped out of the top eight following two disappointing results against Galatasaray and AS Roma, so Postecoglou will be keen to see a response from his boys in midweek.
Tottenham Team News
Tottenham suffered a double blow on Sunday when centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were forced off with injuries in each half.
Romero sustained a quad problem, and early prognosis suggests he will miss six weeks of action. The Argentinean made his return from injury against Chelsea, and so had Van de Ven, who appeared to reaggravate a hamstring injury in the second half. Brennan Johnson was also taken off due to illness, so the Welshman remains doubtful for the trip to Rangers.
Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore all remain out in attack, but Will Lankshear could feature after serving his European ban in the 2-2 draw with Roma.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs Rangers (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Fraser Forster has deputised well in the injury absence of Vicario in the last three games, making a string of vital saves. He is set to continue in his role on Thursday.
Defence
Injuries to Romero and Van de Ven again should see Archie Gray operate as a centre-back beside Radu Dragusin. Gray and Dragusin have to be at their best to keep Rangers’ attackers at bay.
Full-backs Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie will be expected to produce better displays than what they did in the defeat to Chelsea. The duo have to support the centre-backs and avoid getting caught out of position during transitions.
Midfield
Rodrigo Bentancur should start with his current seven-game ban not applying in European matches. He could be joined by the likes of James Maddison and Pape Matar Sarr in the Tottenham engine room, with Yves Bissouma dropping to the bench after his disastrous showing against Chelsea.
The trio will hope to dominate possession and create opportunities in the final third for the forwards to capitalize.
Attack
Changes are expected to take place in attack due to injury issues. And with Johnson’s availability in doubt after he was forced off in the second half against Chelsea due to illness, Postecoglou may go with Dejan Kulusevski on the right flank. Timo Werner may be preferred over Son Heung-min on the left, with Dominic Solanke leading the line for the visitors.
Will Lankshear is expected to get an opportunity to impress off the bench.
