Tottenham Hotspur are aiming to build on their mightily impressive weekend victory over Manchester City when they host Roma in the Europa League on Thursday.
Following defeats to Galatasaray and Ipswich Town prior to the November international break, Saturday’s 4-0 hammering of the reigning Premier League champions was much-needed. Ange Postecoglou’s side were exceptional, dismantling the Cityzens with little fuss as they climbed to sixth in the table.
With home fixtures against Roma and Fulham rounding off the week, it would be typical of Tottenham to stumble to defeats or draws in said fixtures, but Postecoglou will be eager for the Lilywhites to return to winning ways in Europe instead.
Here is how Spurs could line up against the Italian giants.
GK: Fraser Forster – With Guglielmo Vicario set for a lengthy spell in the treatment room after breaking a bone in his ankle at the Etihad Stadium, veteran Forster will be called upon in the coming weeks.
RB: Archie Gray – Pedro Porro scored an excellent goal at the weekend and may be rewarded with a rest against Roma. Summer signing Gray has operated in both full-back positions this term and should slot in at right-back.
CB: Radu Dragusin – Dragusin has endured a difficult start to his Tottenham career but a clean sheet at the Etihad is to be celebrated. The Romanian will be tasked with stifling the powerful former Girona forward Artem Dovbyk.
CB: Ben Davies – The experienced Welshman rose to the occasion in Manchester, doing his best to keep Erling Haaland and co quiet. With Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both missing midweek, he will have to stand firm once more in the Spurs defence.
LB: Destiny Udogie – Djed Spence’s recent return could offer Udogie a rest on Thursday but Postecoglou may not want to make too many changes to his backline for the visit of a Roma side with impressive attacking options.
CM: Lucas Bergvall – Bergvall made his fourth senior appearance for Sweden in November at just 18 years of age, with the midfielder boasting enormous potential. He’s impressed in spurts in the Europa League.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur – With the midfielder banned for seven domestic matches following his racial slur, Postecoglou will be keen to keep Bentancur fresh in the Europa League. He could sit as the deepest member of the Spurs midfield.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr – An imposing performance against Man City’s midfield will only boost the youngster’s confidence. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski could potentially start ahead of the Senegal international against Roma.
RW: Brennan Johnson – Johnson was a surprise omission from the starting lineup against Man City but the Welshman made an impact from the bench. As he does so often, he arrived at the back post at the perfect time to add a fourth at the Etihad.
ST: Dominic Solanke – Will Lankshear’s suspension and Richarlison’s hamstring injury leaves Postecoglou with few options up top. Solanke, who acted as playmaker at the weekend, should retain his starting berth.
LW: Timo Werner – Providing the cross for Johnson’s strike on Saturday, Werner’s pace came in handy against tired Man City legs. The indefatigable winger has been a consistent presence in the Europa League.