View: Ange to axe big-name star in six changes - Tottenham predicted XI v AZ Alkmaar

Ange Postecoglou could axe James Maddison when Tottenham host AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday (24 October).

Postecoglou’s side will welcome AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the third match of their Europa League league phase.

Spurs have six points out of six in the competition this season. Therefore, they will be confident of getting another win on the board which would put them in a promising position to qualify already, despite still having five matches left to play.

After their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Brighton at the Amex Stadium in the Premier League on Sunday 6 October, Spurs got back to winning ways in style in England’s top flight, beating London rivals West Ham 4-1 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday (19 October).

However, despite the resounding win and bright performances from most of his players, Postecoglou is likely to make a host of changes for the visit of AZ Alkamaar.

Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison for Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar

Guglielmo Vicario has started both Europa League matches for Spurs and will expect to do so again. As per Sofascore, the goalkeeper made two saves against West Ham and completed 91 per cent of his passes.

Radu Drăgușin was suspended last time out in the Europa League after he was sent off in Spurs’ 3-0 victory over Qarabağ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (26 September). However, he is once again available, which means Postecoglou could make three changes in defence.

The Romanian is likely to come back in and partner Micky van de Ven, despite the Dutchman not having his best game against the Hammers as he was dribbled past three times and lost all three of his aerial duels.

Meanwhile, Archie Gray and Ben Davies, who have both started each of Spurs’ Europa League games this season, will likely replace Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.

In midfield, Postecoglou could recall Rodrigo Bentancur, who was left out against West Ham.

Yves Bissouma could be the player to make way for his midfield teammate. After his impressive shift against the Hammers which saw him grab a goal, complete 91 per cent of his passes and make five tackles, the Mali international could be offered a rest.

Dejan Kulusevski was brilliant once again in midfield last time out, grabbing a goal, playing two key passes and making three tackles. Therefore, Postecoglou could look to stick by the Swede as he aims to keep some continuity in his side.

Meanwhile, Maddison is likely to make way for Lucas Bergvall, with Postecoglou mooted to have a “problem” regarding the midfielder after he took him off at half-time against Julen Lopetegui’s side.

Ange Postecoglou to make one attacking change for Tottenham v AZ Alkmaar

Dominic Solanke will be keen to get back among the goals for Tottenham and might be offered the chance to do so against AZ Alkmaar. The striker wasn’t at his best against West Ham, succeeding with just two of his seven attempted dribbles while managing just one shot off target.

Brennan Johnson’s seven-match scoring streak in all competitions for club and country came to an end last time out. However, he will be hoping to get right back among the goals against AZ Alkmaar after missing one big chance against West Ham.

Son Heung-min starred on his return to action against Lopetegui’s men, scoring a goal, hitting the woodwork, missing one big chance and playing two key passes. However, after his recent injury struggles, Postecoglou is unlikely to want to risk him and could offer Mikey Moore another first-team opportunity instead.

In other Tottenham news, the club could include one player in a deal for Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck.

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