Tottenham Hotspur will be aiming to get back to winning ways in the Premier League on Thursday evening when they travel to the Vitality Stadium to face Bournemouth.
After smashing Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight back, Ange Postecoglou’s side has faltered in successive games in all competitions, meaning they have won only once in their previous five outings. The Lilywhites were held to a 2-2 draw by AS Roma in the Europa League before sharing the spoils with 10-man Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou must be looking to get on a run in the busy fixture schedule starting at Bournemouth, who come into this game off the back of a 4-2 away success over Wolves.
Tottenham Team News
Cristian Romero has a chance of featuring against Bournemouth, provided he returns to training. However, it is unlikely he goes straight back into the starting XI in midweek.
Guglielmo Vicario, Micky van de Ven, Richarlison, Wilson Odobert and Mikey Moore have all been ruled out, while Rodrigo Bentancur remains banned in domestic competitions until Boxing Day.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
With Vicario sidelined for months, Fraser Forster will continue deputising in goal. The Englishman has been excellent against both Roma and Fulham, making a string of key saves to help his team a point in each of those games. He will be aiming to keep a clean sheet at the Vitality Stadium.
Defence
With Van de Ven still not fit and Romero unlikely to be risked from the start even if he becomes available, Radu Dragusin should continue partnering Ben Davies at the heart of Tottenham’s defence. They will be tasked with handling the busy and wily Evanilson.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie are certain to operate as the full-backs, hoping to make contributions at both ends of the pitch.
Midfield
Dejan Kulusevski was surprisingly left on the bench on Sunday but he is certain to return to the starting XI against the Cherries. The Swede, who has been Tottenham’s best player this season, will be key in unlocking the home side’s defence.
Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr are expected to partner Kulusevski in the Spurs engine room. The triumvirate’s energy, work rate and tenacity will be required to go toe-to-toe with the Bournemouth midfielders. James Maddison should be a great option to bring off the bench.
Attack
Dominic Solanke missed the draw with Fulham due to illness but Big Ange is hopeful of having him back in time for the game. The English striker will be hoping to have a merry return to his former hunting ground.
Brennan Johnson is simply undroppable due to the form he is in, making him a sure-shot starter on the right flank. Off the left, skipper Son Heung-min will be trying to cause problems for the Bournemouth defence.
