View: Ange to axe big-money signing for PL showdown - Tottenham predicted XI v Man Utd

Ange Postecoglou is expected to once again utilise the changes as focus for Tottenham turns back from Europe to the Premier League against Manchester United.

Spurs continued momentum on Thursday night with a 3-0 win over Qarabag despite playing the majority of the game with 10 men, and are expected to revert to type with their starting XI at Old Trafford on Sunday.

A league win over Brentford last weekend saw Dominic Solanke, James Maddison and Brennan Johnson all score, and the trio will be expected to start, especially after Solanke and Johnson repeated the feat in their Europa League opener.

Cristian Romero to return to Tottenham side

Changes will be prominent at the back for Postecoglou on Sunday, including a return to the side for key defender Cristian Romero – who was suspended against Qarabag after a red card against AC Milan two seasons ago when Tottenham last played a UEFA match.

With 67% of his ground duels won this season and 7.2 ball recoveries averaged per game [Sofascore], the World Cup winner is vital at the heart of the backline alongside the last man in the high line, the rapid Micky van de Ven.

Destiny Udogie did not start on Thursday but replaced the unfortunate Lucas Bergvall after just 12 minutes, following Radu Dragusin’s early dismissal which has blown his chance of forcing a way into the Premier League XI.

Pedro Porro is likely to come back in for big-money summer signing Archie Gray, who Postecoglou seems to view as a long-term right-back option, while Guglielmo Vicario – like van de Ven – keeps his place from midweek.

James Maddison to return for Tottenham as key influence

James Maddison was instrumental in the win over Brentford last weekend and is expected to come back into the creative midfield slot after a rest on Thursday night.

With a goal, a pass accuracy of 88% from 51 attempts and 10 touches in the Bees’ box [Fotmob], the England man was unplayable and can unlock Man United’s leaky defence whose clean sheet at Crystal Palace last week came more via luck than organisation.

Lucas Bergvall is an excellent option off the bench even at just 18, and saw his opportunity taken from him on Thursday by Dragusin’s red card.

Pape Matar Sarr’s strike and 92% pass accuracy against Qarabag was excellent as he outperformed Yves Bissouma, but even if Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski do return at expected, the strength in depth at Spurs has certainly improved.

Out wide, Johnson has enjoyed a rich vein of form with a goal in each of his last three games. He will undoubtedly be given the freedom again at Old Trafford, and can really exploit the United rear guard alongside Solanke who is now finding his feet after his £65m move.

Heung-min Son will likely lead the team out once again, with his two assists against Brentford making him untouchable as he seeks his first goals for Tottenham since a brace against Everton last month.

In other Tottenham news, John Wenham talks new investment at the club.

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