Here are some possible changes that Ange Postecoglou could make for Tottenham’s Premier League match against Chelsea on Monday evening.
Tottenham Hotspur will play Chelsea on Monday evening for the chance to reclaim first place in the Premier League. Spurs will be eager to continue their unbeaten start to the season after a good period of training with Ange Postecoglou and his coaching staff following the 2-1 win at Crystal Palace last time out.
The return of Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is the main talking point ahead of the London derby. After being fired as Tottenham Hotspur manager four years ago, the Argentine is now in charge of Chelsea and has had a mixed start to his time at Stamford Bridge.
Postecoglou will be hoping for a further boost on the injury front after the return of Rodrigo Bentancur in the win at Selhurst Park. There are concerns about Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies going into the game. So, what changes could the Australian make to his Tottenham team ahead of the Chelsea match? football.london investigates further below.
Destiny Udogie/Emerson Royal for Ben Davies
Davies‘ place in the matchday squad on Monday night remains in doubt, with Postecoglou admitting in his pre-match press conference that the Welshman is currently suffering from an ankle injury. Starting at left-back against Crystal Palace and struggling before being replaced by Emerson Royal, it’s difficult to see the experienced player starting from the start against Chelsea.
If Udogie is ruled out again after missing Spurs’ last league game, Emerson should start after a strong performance both defensively and offensively in the win over Roy Hodgson’s team. If Udogie is missing after more than making his case to Postecoglou, the Brazilian certainly deserves another chance.
However, once his fitness has been assessed, the head coach will be able to make a fairly simple decision about whether or not the Italy international can play again. Udogie has been outstanding for Tottenham since making his debut at the start of the season, and he is an automatic selection at left-back.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for Yves Bissouma
After some impressive recent performances, Postecoglou may consider giving Hojbjerg a starting spot. Although he was unlucky to be dropped to the bench against Crystal Palace after impressing in the win over Fulham, the Dane did help Tottenham get over the line in the second half when he came on to replace Bissouma in south London.
The Mali international didn’t have his best game at Palace, but it’s difficult to see him being replaced given how important he has been this season. If Hojbjerg starts on the bench again, there’s a good chance he’ll play a key role in the final stages against Chelsea if needed.
Although Bentancur has returned from injury, Spurs should ease him back into the team rather than rushing him back into the starting lineup.
Brennan Johnson in place of Richarlison
Johnson for Richarlison is another possible change on the left flank. The summer signing has had a hit-or-miss start to his Tottenham career, but he made an immediate impact at Palace, assisting Son Heung-min two minutes after coming off the bench.
With his player possessing plenty of pace and skill to trouble the Blues, Postecoglou may be tempted to unleash him from the start against Chelsea. Richarlison appears to be the obvious out if Johnson comes in, despite having made an impact recently with one goal and three assists in his last six league appearances.
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