Postecoglou Set to Make Six Changes for Tottenham’s Europa Conference League Clash with Roma
Tottenham Hotspur’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, is reportedly preparing to make six changes to his starting lineup for their crucial Europa Conference League clash against AS Roma on Thursday. With Spurs currently vying for top spot in their group, the game could prove pivotal in determining their progression to the knockout rounds. Postecoglou, known for his dynamic and high-pressing style of play, has been rotating his squad carefully this season, and this match could provide an opportunity to rest key players while giving others a chance to shine.
Tottenham’s busy fixture schedule, including a domestic run that has seen them climbing the Premier League table, means that Postecoglou has to be strategic about managing player workloads. The trip to Rome will come just days after a hard-fought league win, so it’s no surprise that the Australian tactician is preparing to field a more rotated side to ensure his squad is fresh and competitive for the challenges ahead.
Predicted Starting XI:
While Postecoglou has kept his cards close to his chest, here’s a look at how the lineup might shape up on the night, based on current trends, injury reports, and the tactical adjustments the manager has made in recent weeks.
Goalkeeper: In goal, Guglielmo Vicario is expected to get the nod ahead of regular number one Emerson Royal. Although Vicario has played second fiddle for much of the season in league matches, he has been solid in the cup games and should be trusted for this important European tie. His agility and distribution will be crucial against a Roma side that can pressure from multiple angles.
Defenders: The backline is likely to see a shake-up with Micky van de Ven potentially being rested, given the heavy workload he’s carried in recent weeks. Instead, Cristian Romero will likely be paired with Eric Dier in the heart of defense. Dier, who has had limited opportunities this season, will be looking to prove himself and make an impact in such an important fixture.
Destiny Udogie, who has shown impressive attacking form on the left flank, is set to keep his place, though he will need to balance his attacking runs with defensive duties. On the right, Pedro Porro is expected to slot in as a fullback, a position he has been increasingly effective in as Postecoglou adopts a fluid, attacking formation.
Midfield: Tottenham’s midfield could see significant changes as well. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg is expected to return to the starting XI, bringing experience and ball-winning ability in the center of the park. Højbjerg’s ability to break up play will be vital against a Roma side that can dominate possession at times, and he could form a solid midfield pairing with Yves Bissouma, who has shown glimpses of his quality this season.
The creative spark in the middle will come from James Maddison, who has been one of Spurs’ standout players in the early part of the season. His vision and passing ability will be key in unlocking Roma’s defensive setup, and Postecoglou will likely rely on his intelligence to dictate the tempo of the match from a central position.
With Giovani Lo Celso continuing to fight for minutes, this match could be his chance to earn a starting role. Lo Celso has impressed in previous appearances and has been working hard to earn Postecoglou’s trust. He could slot in as the more attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation, pushing forward to link up with the forwards.
Forwards: In attack, Son Heung-min is expected to start in his more central role, having been deployed as a winger in recent weeks. He will look to build on his excellent scoring form for Tottenham this season, and Postecoglou will be counting on his sharpness to lead the line. Son’s ability to drift wide and exploit spaces will be a major asset in breaking down Roma’s defensive lines.
With Richarlison still struggling with consistency in front of goal, Arnaut Danjuma could get the opportunity to make an impact in this European fixture. The Dutch winger has impressed in the limited game time he’s had so far, and his directness and flair could be key against a Roma defense that will look to be physical and organized. Danjuma’s ability to stretch the defense and create chances for others could be vital for Spurs.
One player who could be left out of the starting XI is Harry Kane. Having already secured a big-money move to Bayern Munich in the summer, Kane has been the focal point of Tottenham’s attack for so many years. While his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, Postecoglou has quickly implemented his own system, which focuses more on team movement and fluid attacking play rather than relying on one individual to produce the magic.
Postecoglou’s commitment to playing a possession-based, high-pressing style of football should remain intact, regardless of the personnel on the pitch. His tactics have brought a freshness to Tottenham’s game this season, and Roma will need to be wary of Spurs’ quick transitions and attacking intent.
Roma’s Threat:
Roma, under José Mourinho, will provide a tough test for Tottenham. The Portuguese coach is known for setting up his teams to be compact defensively while being dangerous on the counter-attack. Roma has some talented players, including the attacking prowess of Lorenzo Pellegrini and Paulo Dybala, who could cause problems for Tottenham if given time on the ball. However, Postecoglou will be aware of Roma’s vulnerabilities, particularly in defense, and will look to exploit any space left behind as they attempt to press forward.
The battle in midfield will be crucial, as Mourinho typically sets his team up to dominate the central areas, and if Tottenham can disrupt Roma’s rhythm, they could seize control of the game. Tottenham’s pressing system, coupled with the high energy of players like Bissouma and Maddison, should help them win the ball back quickly and launch rapid counter-attacks.
Conclusion:
This Europa Conference League fixture against Roma is shaping up to be a fascinating encounter, with Postecoglou looking to make key rotations to keep his squad fresh for the intense schedule ahead. Tottenham’s ability to maintain their attacking intensity and stay defensively solid will be critical against a team coached by the tactical mastermind José Mourinho. With six changes expected to the starting lineup, Tottenham’s squad depth will be tested, but with players eager to impress and make their mark, Spurs will feel confident heading into the match, even without their full-strength side. If Postecoglou’s plan comes together, Spurs could secure an important three points and take a giant step towards qualification from the group stage.
