Europa League Preview, Team News, and Predicted Lineups | Spurs Chase Perfect Record
Tottenham Hotspur welcome Dutch side AZ Alkmaar to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday evening, as Ange Postecoglou’s men aim to maintain their flawless start to their Europa League campaign. The match, kicking off at 20:00 BST, presents an intriguing narrative blend of youth development, strategic rotation, and an emotional return for a former Spurs prospect.
Current Form and European Context
Tottenham enter this fixture riding a wave of impressive form, having secured six victories in their last seven matches across all competitions. Their most recent triumph, a commanding 4-1 victory over West Ham, has helped erase the disappointment of their previous setback at Brighton, where they surrendered a two-goal advantage. In the Europa League, Spurs have shown particular prowess, collecting maximum points from their encounters with Qarabag and Ferencvárosi.
Their opponents, AZ Alkmaar, arrive in London facing contrasting fortunes. The Eredivisie outfit finds themselves in a challenging period, having suffered defeats in their last four matches across all competitions. This run of form adds an element of unpredictability to the encounter, as the Dutch side desperately seeks to reverse their fortunes on the European stage.
Team News and Strategic Considerations
Postecoglou’s Selection Decisions
In a significant development, Tottenham captain Son Heung-min will be absent from the matchday squad. The South Korean forward, who recently returned from a hamstring injury to score against West Ham, has been deliberately rested by Postecoglou. “Sonny was a bit sore after the weekend, he was never going to be involved tomorrow anyway because he missed a bit,” the Australian manager explained, prioritizing his captain’s long-term fitness.
The defensive lineup sees a notable change with Romanian center-back Radu Dragusin returning from suspension, earned during matchday one. This timing proves fortunate for Postecoglou, allowing him to rest his preferred central defensive partnership of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. Ben Davies is expected to partner Dragusin, while promising youngster Archie Gray could get an opportunity at right-back.
Youth Integration and Attacking Options
The match presents an excellent opportunity for Tottenham to showcase their emerging talent. Teenage sensations Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore, who have already impressed in brief appearances this season, are in line for significant minutes. Moore’s composure, particularly evident during the Ferencvárosi match, has earned him consideration, though Postecoglou may opt to introduce him gradually against what is arguably Spurs’ most challenging European opponent thus far.
In attack, Brazilian international Richarlison could make his first start of the 2024/25 season. The forward, who has been limited to just 34 Premier League minutes this campaign due to injury, aims to make a strong impression. Timo Werner, who has deputized effectively during Son’s absence, is expected to maintain his place in the starting lineup, having already contributed with an assist during the recent run of games.
The Parrott Narrative
One of the evening’s most compelling storylines centers around Troy Parrott’s return to North London. The Republic of Ireland international, who departed Spurs for AZ in a £6.7m summer transfer, has hit the ground running in the Netherlands. With five goals in ten appearances, including a remarkable four-goal haul against Heerenveen, Parrott returns to his former home ground with something to prove.
Predicted Lineups and Tactical Approach
Tottenham are expected to line up with Guglielmo Vicario in goal, protected by a back four of Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie. The midfield could see a dynamic trio of Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Lucas Bergvall, while the attack features Mikey Moore, Richarlison, and Timo Werner.
This rotation-heavy selection reflects Postecoglou’s careful balancing act between maintaining momentum in Europe while keeping key players fresh for domestic commitments. The upcoming weekend fixture against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park clearly factors into his planning, particularly regarding Son’s absence.
European Ambitions
For Tottenham, this match represents more than just another European fixture. Having started their Europa League campaign impressively, they view this competition as a viable route to silverware under Postecoglou’s progressive leadership. The manager’s willingness to integrate young talent while maintaining competitive edge demonstrates the club’s long-term vision, even as they pursue immediate success.
The clash against AZ Alkmaar, while perhaps not the most high-profile European night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, carries significant weight in shaping the trajectory of Spurs’ season. Victory would not only maintain their perfect start but also provide valuable experience for their emerging talents and returning players, setting a positive tone for the challenges ahead in both domestic and European competitions.