View: Ange makes crucial call by axing 0% flop as Tottenham XI confirmed v Ipswich

Ange Postecoglou will be buzzing to have Cristian Romero available as Tottenham welcome Ipswich Town to Hotspur Way on Sunday.

The Argentine defender comes back into the starting XI after a recent injury scare, replacing Ben Davies in the backline as the first of seven changes from the Galatasaray defeat on Thursday 7 November [Official X account].

Fraser Forster is replaced by Guglielmo Vicario while Archie Gray, James Maddison, Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall and Will Lankshear all make way, but Romero’s inclusion is by far the most important change.

The 26-year-old missed the Europa League clash after hobbling off against Aston Villa, but despite concerns about a long-term injury, he is back in the lineup to face the Tractor Boys on 10 November.

Cristian Romero returns as Tottenham XI named v Ipswich Town

Postecoglou will need a huge bounce-back from his players following a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Galatasaray in the Europa League midweek, a result which could have been much uglier for Spurs.

Davies clearly struggled in a back-four set-up in midweek, more used to a back three at international level with Wales, and it showed against the Turkish giants.

The 31-year-old only completed 77 per cent of his passes, completed 25 per cent of his long balls, was dribbled past once and won zero per cent of his ground duels [FotMob].

Romero is, arguably, the most consistent defender at Postecoglou’s disposal, and his 91 percentile ranking for tackles and 87 percentile ranking for aerial duels won is telling [FBref].

Before being replaced in the 4-1 win over Villa – his last start – he had completed 95 per cent of his passes, created one chance, won 100 per cent of his tackles and made four interceptions [FotMob].

While Spurs will be expected to win all three points against Ipswich either way, Romero’s return to the starting XI will be a massive boost ahead of the clash at Hotspur Way.

In other Tottenham news, here are three defenders Ange Postecoglou could sign in January.

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