Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou has key decisions to make over Dominic Solanke and Dejan Kulusevski ahead of Thursday’s Premier League trip to Bournemouth. Solanke missed Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Fulham through illness while Kulusevski surprisingly dropped to the bench.
Postecoglou revealed that he made a late decision to send Solanke home before the weekend's game. That suggests the forward could be ready to face his former club this week.
Kulusevski could also come back in, but that may have repercussions for James Maddison.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Bournemouth (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper - Forster
Fraser Forster’s excellent performance against Fulham proved why Postecoglou has insisted he will not be signing a replacement for the injured Guglielmo Vicario in January. The former England international will continue between the sticks.
Defence - Porro, Dragusin, Romero, Udogie
Postecoglou revealed last week that Cristian Romero is closing in on a return from an ankle injury. The club captain came close to appearing against Fulham but just about missed out. His return will be unfortunate for Ben Davies, who was Spurs’ best performer against the Cottagers.
If the Argentine returns, he will surely partner Radu Dragusin at the heart of Spurs’ defence. Fulham enjoyed plenty of joy down Pedro Porro’s side on Sunday, but the Spaniard will start again.
Midfield - Sarr, Bissouma, Kulusevski
If Postecoglou opts to bring Kulusevski and Solanke back into his starting 11, that could mean one of James Maddison or Brennan Johnson has to drop out. In this instance, Express Sport has decided that Maddison will be rested.
Having so many options for his front four is positive for Postecoglou but provides an issue over balance. Kulusevski and Maddison playing as dual No 10s would leave plenty of space for Bournemouth to exploit in midfield, while playing one out wide means either Johnson or Solanke - whose inclusion shifts Son to the left - would sit out.
Kulusevski was the man to enjoy a rest against Fulham, appearing midway through the second half. But he surely won’t have consecutive games on the bench.
Attack - Johnson, Solanke, Son
Johnson’s form and Son’s match-winning ability mean they must start. Solanke could start as the centre-forward if he is deemed to have recovered from his illness.
Spurs were guilty of missing too many opportunities against Fulham and they need Solanke’s predatory instincts in the final third. Son is much better coming in from the left rather than playing through the middle, where he struggled in the Premier League on Sunday.