Tottenham Hotspur are set to face Everton in their second Premier League match of the season, with manager Ange Postecoglou likely to make a couple of key changes to his lineup. Following a frustrating 1-1 draw against Leicester City in the opening gameweek, Spurs will be eager to secure their first win of the season at home. Everton, reeling from a 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, will be equally desperate to bounce back, making this an important game for both the teams.
Spurs entered the season with high expectations after an impressive first year under Ange Postecoglou. Despite an injury-plagued campaign that saw them miss out on Champions League football, Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy has endeared him to the fans. The team’s offensive flair, combined with a blend of young and experienced talent, has made Spurs a thrilling side to watch.
In their opening match against Leicester, Tottenham showcased their attacking prowess, creating numerous chances especially in the first half. New signing Dominic Solanke was particularly lively, pressing effectively and getting into good positions, though he was unable to convert his opportunities. James Maddison, orchestrated the play brilliantly, while the fullbacks Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie caused constant problems for the Leicester defense with their advanced positioning.
However, the match also exposed a potentially fatal flaw in Postecoglou’s tactics. While Spurs dominated the first half, their aggressive approach left them vulnerable at the back. As the game wore on, Leicester began to exploit the spaces left by Tottenham’s high-pressing fullbacks. Jamie Vardy’s equalizer was a prime example, with Cristian Romero caught out of position, allowing Vardy to head home unchallenged at the back post. Leicester continued to find joy on the counter-attack, with Vardy coming close to scoring a second after being played through by Facundo Buonanotte. The gaps around Spurs’ backline and midfield became increasingly apparent, and while Leicester were unable to capitalize further, it highlighted a potential Achilles’ heel for Tottenham going forward.
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Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury in the Leicester match, will miss out due to concussion protocols. This paves the way for Yves Bissouma, who was absent in the last game due to suspension, to return to the starting XI. Bissouma’s inclusion could add much-needed balance and defensive cover in midfield, potentially mitigating some of the vulnerabilities that were exposed against Leicester. Pedro Porro, who sustained a minor knock in the same match, is expected to be fit for the weekend, ensuring that Spurs retain their attacking threat down the right flank. Fraser Forster remains sidelined with a foot injury, but Guglielmo Vicario, who made a crucial save against Vardy, will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup in the 4-2-3-1 formation against Everton
Another change expected is Dejan Kulusevski to replacing Brennan Johnson in the starting lineup. Despite an impressive pre-season where he excelled in a new ‘false nine‘ role, Kulusevski was surprisingly left on the bench for most of the match against Leicester City. Given Kulusevski’s standout form over the summer, and with Tottenham in need of more cutting edge in the final third, Ange Postecoglou may turn to the Swedish playmaker to inject the creativity and craft that was sorely missing in their Premier League opener.
Tottenham’s clash with Everton presents an opportunity for Postecoglou’s side to demonstrate that they can learn from their mistakes. While their attacking play was impressive against Leicester, the defensive vulnerabilities could be a concern against more clinical opposition. The return of Bissouma should help shore up the midfield, providing better protection for the backline. For Spurs to secure a top-four finish this season, they may need to strike a better balance between attack and defense. The high-pressing, expansive style of play that has become synonymous with Postecoglou’s tenure is undoubtedly exciting, but it must be tempered with tactical discipline to avoid being caught out on the counter.