Tottenham team prediction against Wolfsberger
By Gary Pearson
![LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur warms up during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 13, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus) LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 13: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur warms up during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 13, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around England remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Visionhaus)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ea398d60c429ad70c198f7dce378d64c39950f36551976fa2135b02dd2a7e6d1.jpg)
Midfield:
Stephen Bergwijn and Gareth Bale patrol either side of advanced midfield. The Dutchman is well rested and should get another kick at the can, though Lucas Moura is also in contention for that spot. Bergwijn will add pace and tenaciousness to Tottenham’s attack. Hopefully he can source a goal-scoring touch that has seen a frustratingly long hiatus.
Bale has influenced the Europa League more than any other competition, which, based on his lacklustre performances, isn’t hard. He should get the opportunity to yet again prove why Spurs decided to pay almost £200 000 per week to bring him back to London.
Pierre Hojberg needs to play. The stalwart never misses a game, simply because Spurs can’t afford to lose him. The indefatigable Dane commands respect in the centre of the park and will put his recent misfortunes behind him.
Either Moussa Sissoko or Harry Winks should start beside him for the first leg. Expect Tanguy Ndombele to be rested, while Winks steps into a starting role. I’m not sure if he’ll last the match, but the Englishman should be able to control the tempo against a relative European minnow.
Forwards:
Carlos Vinicius will get another chance in a Europa League tie. Harry Kane, after returning from injury, played a part in three matches in short succession. Spurs’ talisman might see some minutes if things aren’t going well.
Dele Alli comes back into the team after a few cameo appearances. He’s gaining fitness and should be able to dictate the tempo, hopefully showcasing the creativity and ingenuity Spurs so desperately need from him.
Next. Option 1: Projected starting 11 for Wolfsberger clash. dark
Playing both Alli and Bale in the same starting team is a risky venture that could fall flat on its face, but the out-of-form pair have it in them to impact proceedings at the top level. Which they have more likelihood of doing against a lesser side.