Expected Spurs lineup marks a first: key players reunited after five months

Tottenham Hotspur enters the decisive second leg against AZ in the Europa League Round of 16 with everything to play for.

The pressure is mounting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where Spurs will need to overturn their first-leg deficit in order to progress to the quarter-finals of the competition. With the return of several key players, including Guglielmo Vicario, Cristian Romero, James Maddison, and Heung-Min Son, the London club is expected to field one of its strongest lineups in months.

This match could mark a turning point in Tottenham’s season, with the club eager to prove that it has the resilience and quality to compete at the European level. The injury crisis that has plagued Spurs in recent months has significantly impacted their campaign, causing instability in both domestic and European competitions. However, the return of Vicario and Romero both of whom have missed over twenty games this season will be a huge boost for manager Ange Postecoglou, who will finally have a more settled defensive core.

The availability of Micky van de Ven is another key factor heading into this match. The Dutch centre-back, who has been sidelined for long periods this season, will likely reunite with Romero in the heart of Tottenham’s defense. Last season, the duo established themselves as one of the most reliable defensive partnerships in the Premier League, combining strength, intelligence, and composure on the ball. Their return could provide the defensive stability Spurs have lacked in recent weeks, particularly against a disciplined and well-organized AZ side that will be looking to defend their aggregate advantage.

Tottenham’s problems this season have not just been limited to their defense. James Maddison’s absence for a prolonged spell disrupted Spurs’ attacking fluidity, as the midfielder’s creativity, vision, and ability to dictate the pace of the game were sorely missed. Now back in the starting lineup, Maddison will be expected to pull the strings in midfield, providing service to the attacking trio. His link-up play with Heung-Min Son will be crucial, especially given Son’s exceptional finishing ability in high-pressure situations. The South Korean star, who has carried much of the team’s offensive burden in Maddison’s absence, will now benefit from a more balanced and well-supported attack.

Alongside the experienced players making their return, Postecoglou is also expected to include some younger talents in the starting lineup. Lucas Bergvall and Djed Spence are likely to start, with Spence taking up the left-back position despite the return of Destiny Udogie from injury. The young full-back has been in outstanding form in recent weeks, and reports suggest that Postecoglou will continue to trust him in such a crucial match. His ability to contribute both defensively and offensively will be key, as Spurs look to stretch AZ’s defensive line.

Despite these positive reinforcements, Tottenham is still dealing with several important absences. Kevin Danso, Radu Dragusin, Richarlison, and Dejan Kulusevski remain unavailable due to injuries, depriving Spurs of crucial squad depth. Additionally, Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended, which means Pape Matar Sarr will likely take on a more prominent role in midfield alongside Maddison and Bergvall. The Senegalese midfielder has impressed this season with his ability to break up play and distribute the ball effectively, but he will need to be at his very best to ensure Spurs dominate possession and create chances.

Postecoglou’s approach to the game will be vital, as Tottenham cannot afford to sit back and allow AZ to dictate the pace. Spurs must be aggressive from the start, using their attacking firepower to unsettle the Dutch side early in the game. AZ, known for their compact defensive shape and counter-attacking efficiency, will likely sit deep and wait for opportunities to exploit spaces left behind by Tottenham’s high defensive line. This means that Spurs must be cautious and avoid leaving themselves vulnerable to counterattacks, something that has cost them in previous European matches.

With the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium set to be packed with passionate fans, the home advantage could play a decisive role. European nights in North London have provided some unforgettable moments over the years, and Spurs will need all the support they can get to push them over the line. A win would not only secure their place in the quarter-finals but also restore belief in their ability to compete at the highest level.

The stakes could not be higher for Tottenham Hotspur, and with several of their star players returning, expectations are rising. The momentum is shifting in their favor, but they must now deliver on the pitch. The expected lineup for this all-important clash is as follows:

Expected Tottenham Hotspur lineup:
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison; Odobert, Son, Solanke.

As the countdown to kickoff begins, all eyes will be on Postecoglou’s side to see if they can rise to the occasion and deliver a performance worthy of keeping their Europa League dreams alive.