Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side are one game away from history, with a place in the Europa League final now setting the stage for a season-defining moment. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face Man United in the Europa League.
A lot is riding on the outcome of this singular match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the Europa League final.
The success of both sides’ seasons rests heavily on the result of this clash, as both clubs have struggled domestically, languishing in the bottom five of the Premier League table.
For Ange Postecoglou, a win here would validate his second-season trophy talk and finally bring silverware back to the Tottenham faithful, who have waited far too long for tangible success.
With everything on the line in Spain, here is our predicted Tottenham starting XI for the Europa League final against Manchester United.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Manchester United in Europa League final
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Antonin Kinsky was given the nod against Aston Villa in the Premier League, but on Wednesday, Guglielmo Vicario should return in goal for Tottenham.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: There has been talk about Ange Postecoglou potentially pushing Pedro Porro up into that ten role, and the manager did not dismiss the idea. However, we expect Porro to retain his place at right-back against Manchester United.
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Centre-back – Cristian Romero: Tottenham have had the more solid backline of the two English sides in Europe this season, with Spurs conceding just 0.9 goals per game in the Europa League. Much of that is down to Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven. The Argentine should slot back into the starting XI.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: It will have been around 13 days since Micky van de Ven last kicked a ball when he steps out for the final. Ange Postecoglou appears to have wrapped him in cotton wool for this very moment, so he starts.
Left-back – Destiny Udogie: Djed Spence’s recent showings in the Premier League have been far from convincing, with the full-back’s positioning leaving plenty to be desired. Destiny Udogie was rested against Villa, and he should reclaim his spot for the final.
Pivot midfielder – Yves Bissouma: There were murmurs suggesting that Lucas Bergvall could feature in the final, either from the start or off the bench. However, Postecoglou has firmly dismissed those Bergvall rumours, so Yves Bissouma is expected to anchor the midfield.
Central midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: Rodrigo Bentancur has been a standout performer for Tottenham during the knockout stages of this competition, and he is expected to continue pulling the strings in midfield.
Central midfielder – Wilson Odobert: There has been much debate over who takes up the ten role, but we believe Wilson Odobert will keep his place. Ange Postecoglou handed Odobert praise after his lively display against Aston Villa, and he is likely to trust him again in this role.
Right midfielder – Brennan Johnson: Tottenham’s top scorer across all competitions simply has to start. Brennan Johnson should be deployed on the right once again.
Striker – Dominic Solanke: Dominic Solanke’s minutes have been managed carefully since the Bodo/Glimt tie, and this final is the reason why. The striker has been in strong European form of late, and Tottenham will be hoping he delivers on the big stage.