Tottenham face Wolfsberger, the Austrian team competing in their first Europa League knockout round, on Thursday evening at Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.
With pressure mounting on Spurs, the microscope will be on Jose Mourinho’s team selection for this must win European encounter. Never has the cliche must win carried more weight. Going out of Europe at this stage to a comparative minnow would be catastrophic, so the impetus is on Jose to start a side he knows will get the job done.
HQ’s Aaron Coe published Spurs’ primary option for the match on Thursday, but this offers an alternative take on what Jose could possibly conjure up.
Defence
Joe Hart gets the nod in goal, not only because it’s Wolfsberger away but also due to the fact that Hugo Lloris has endured a miserable spell. Playing Lloris in this match provides Spurs with no tangible advantage. If the Frenchman was on top form that opinion would differ, but Lloris is underperforming in every other competition so it’s Hart’s turn to prove he still has what it takes at the top level, which I’m admittedly skeptical about.
Matt Doherty is the logical choice at right back but Jose might decide to go with Japhet Tanganga. Doherty is more seasoned but hasn’t been playing to his potential. Though I’d still go with Doherty, as, even without confidence, he has enough experience to play safe and keep Spurs out of trouble.
Ben Davies, with Sergio Reguilón still nursing an injury, is a staple at left back and should retain his position.
Toby Alderweireld comes back into the side with Joe Rodon, though Eric Dier will also be in contention. I’d love to see Rodon get another opportunity, particularly against a middling side in the Austrian Bundesliga. Davinson Sanchez will not start after a somewhat dismal performance against City.
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.
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.