View: Ange to axe big-name star after recent events - Tottenham predicted XI v West Ham

Ange Postecoglou could axe Cristian Romero in one of two changes when Spurs host West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (19 October).

Spurs supporters have had two weeks to stew over their miserable 3-2 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium (6 October).

As a result, most fans will likely still be frustrated and looking for that wrong to be put right.

Luckily, Postecoglou and his players have the perfect chance to do just that, by beating Spurs’ fierce rivals West Ham, a match which is incredibly winable considering the Hammers’ form this season.

However, this is a London derby, which means form goes out the window. Therefore, Tottenham will still need to be at their best.

A loss would be catastrophic for Postecoglou and his players. However, three points would certainly lift the mood in North London.

It is clear to see the stakes are high in this match, which means Postecoglou cannot afford any mistakes. Therefore, he will need to get his team selection spot on and could look to make a couple of changes.

Ange Postecglou to axe Cristian Romero for Tottenham v West Ham?

Guglielmo Vicario will likely start between the sticks, boosted after making his competitive debut for Italy as they beat Israel 4-1 in a UEFA Nations League match at the Bluenergy Stadium on Tuesday (15 October).

Pedro Porro will expect to start at right-back. He too will be in positive spirits after a productive October international break, which saw him start both matches for Spain and help his nation record back-to-back clean sheets.

Porro particularly shone in the 3-0 victory over Serbia at the Estadio Municipal Nuevo El Arcángel on Tuesday (15 October), completing 85 per cent of his passes, with an impressive six of those key (Sofascore)

Destiny Udogie will likely start at left-back despite struggling last time out against the Seagulls. As well as being booked, the Italy international was dribbled past once and made an error which led to a goal (Sofascore).

Micky van de Ven could have a different defensive partner in the form of Radu Drăgușin against Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Cristian Romero hasn’t been at his best this season. In addition, the centre-back featured in Argentina’s 6-0 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying victory over Bolivia, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday (16 October), United Kingdom Time.

Therefore, he won’t have much time between returning to London and the early kick-off against West Ham on Saturday. As a result, Postecoglou would be wise to rest him, especially after Drăgușin made an impression of his own during the international break.

Ange Postecoglou to reintroduce Son Heung-min v West Ham?

Postecoglou will likely go with the same midfield that started against Brighton for the clash with West Ham.

James Maddison grabbed a goal and completed 88 per cent of his passes at the Amex. He will hope to start and make an impression after yet another England snub.

Provided nothing develops with Rodrigo Bentancur’s potential FA ban, he will likely start too. The 27-year-old completed 85 per cent of his passes and made two tackles and two interceptions against Brighton.

Finally, Dejan Kulusevski will be looking to continue his bright run of form in his brand-new midfield position.

The Swede wasn’t at his best against Brighton, only playing one key pass with an overall completion accuracy of just 71 per cent. However, that looks to have been a blip amid his good run, after he impressed during the international break in Sweden’s 3-0 UEFA Nations League win over Estonia at the A. Le Coq Arena on Monday (14 October).

In attack, Brennan Johnson will be looking to make it eight in eight after scoring his seventh goal in as many games in Wales’ 2-2 draw with Iceland in the UEFA Nations League at the Laugardalsvöllur (11 October).

Meanwhile, Dominic Solanke will be looking to return to goalscoring form after blanking against Brighton.

Finally, Postecoglou will likely be hopeful of reintroducing Son Heung-min after a positive injury boost (via Paul O Keefe on X, 10 October).

That would allow the Australian to axe Timo Werner, who failed to provide an accurate cross from three attempts and completed just 72 per cent of his passes against Brighton.

In other Tottenham news, the club have made a “big-money” bid to sign a brand-new striker.

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