Ange Postecoglou, Mathys Tel
(Credit: Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Thu 3 April 2025 18:53, UK
Mathys Tel will feel hard done by after being axed by Ange Postecoglou for the Premier League clash between Tottenham and Chelsea on Thursday.
Postecoglou is under serious pressure in North London as Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League after 29 games while missing out on both domestic cup competitions.
Winning the UEFA Europa League is Tottenham’s only realistic chance of playing in the Champions League next term and Postecoglou’s only hope of keeping his job.
Therefore, the former Celtic boss is certain to have one eye on the Europa League quarter-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt next Thursday (10 April) when Spurs take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on 3 April.
However, that does not mean Postecoglou will make any compromises against the Blues as he has made some big calls.
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou
Postecoglou is facing an uncertain future as the Tottenham manager. (Credit: Imago)
MORE SPURS STORIES
Tel axes from Tottenham XI
Postecoglou has made four changes to his Spurs starting line-up to face Chelsea after losing 2-0 against Fulham in their previous outing.
Micky van de Ven replaces Ben Davies at centre-back, while Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison come in for Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma.
Meanwhile, Son Heung-min comes back into the fray for Tel, with Wilson Odobert replacing Brennan Johnson on the other side.
Team Games Wins Draws Losses Goal Difference Points
6. Chelsea 29 14 7 8 16 49
14. Tottenham 29 10 4 15 12 34
Chelsea and Tottenham’s records in the Premier League this season.
While the likes of Davies and Johnson can have no complaints about being dropped, Tel will be disappointed to warm the bench against Chelsea.
The Bayern Munich loanee was one of Spurs’ few positives in their defeat at Craven Cottage, creating two chances for his side [FotMob].
Tel completed 20 of his 21 passes, including three accurate long balls, with 95 per cent accuracy that day and also registered a shot on target.
The attacker did not shy away from taking the Fulham defenders on, attempting six dribbles in total and completing two of them.
He was heavily involved in duels as well, winning four of the 10 total ones he attempted.
While the idea of bringing Son back into the XI is understandable, it is disappointing that it has come at the cost of Tel’s place in the team.
Your Spurs XI to face Chelsea 🫡
🔢 @krakenfx pic.twitter.com/acxkDFLyt3
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 3, 2025
Spurs confirmed XI v Chelsea
Guglielmo Vicario continues in goal, with Postecoglou’s trusted centre-back pairing of Van de Ven and Cristian Romero playing ahead of him.
Spence and Porro cover the full-back positions, while Bergvall, Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur form the midfield three.
Son replaces Tel on the left side of the attack, whereas Odobert attacks down the right.
There are no surprises up top, with Dominic Solanke leading the line for the North London giants against Enzo Maresca’s men.
Related Posts