Tottenham Hotspur will hope to get back to winning ways after the October international break when they entertain London rivals West Ham United on Saturday lunchtime.
Spurs had won five games in a row in all competitions and seemed to be coasting towards another at 2-0 up against Brighton & Hove Albion. However, a remarkable collapse saw the Seagulls triumph and Ange Postecoglou looked particularly forlorn at full-time.
There are a few injury worries for the Australian to consider, but he’ll undoubtedly hope to have his club captain fit again after a few weeks out.
Here’s the Tottenham team Postecoglou could pick this weekend.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-3-3)
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – The Italy international made his first competitive appearance for his country during the October break, making a solitary save in a 4-1 thrashing of Israel.
RB: Pedro Porro – Was also in action for his nation and could be set for more games for Spain after Dani Carvajal’s season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury. Assisted Aymeric Laporte’s header in the 3-0 victory over Serbia.
CB: Cristian Romero – Was one of a few Tottenham defenders who completely lost their bearings in the second half at Brighton. Is likely to be leggy after flying around the world to play for Argentina.
CB: Micky van de Ven – While rapid over longer distances, Van de Ven looked awfully immobile when Georginio Rutter stormed through the middle of Spurs’ defence.
LB: Destiny Udogie – It was a poor Udogie touch that allowed Yankuba Minteh to pull one back for Brighton, kick-starting their comeback. Has to show more defensive awareness at the weekend.
CM: Dejan Kulusevski – The Swede’s ability to dribble in midfield and drift into wide areas was one of the key parts of Tottenham’s 3-0 win over Manchester United, in which he scored.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – It could be a throw-up between Bentancur and Yves Bissouma for the holding midfield role, with both players travelling great distances to play for their countries during the international break.
CM: James Maddison – Things were going swimmingly when Maddison put Spurs two goals up against Brighton. He only needs two more strikes to equal his entire haul from 2023/24.
RW: Brennan Johnson – The Wales international’s scoring streak extended to seven in seven matches while on international duty, though he missed their second game of the break due to suspension.
ST: Dominic Solanke – Made his second England appearance against Greece seven years after his first, setting up Jude Bellingham’s strike. Scored in three games in a row at the end of September.
LW: Son Heung-min – Son’s coolness in front of goal contrasts sharply with Timo Werner’s complete lack of composure in the final third. Spurs are hopeful their captain will pull through, but if not it could be another opportunity for the German.
