Tottenham Hotspur are set to have their biggest game in recent history this afternoon, when they host Nottingham Forest in the Premier League at 14:15.
Igor Tudor’s side come into the clash after a huge win in the Champions League on Wednesday, subsequently beating Atletico Madrid 3-2 in North London.
Whilst the side exited the competition, the victory over the Spanish giants will hand the fanbase a reason to be positive ahead of a crucial relegation clash.
The Lilywhites will be hosting a Forest side who sit just a point behind them and outside the relegation zone on goal difference - with both sides needing a result to bolster their chances of survival.
However, if Tudor is to secure his first league win since taking the reins, he desperately needs to drop one player who failed to deliver during the clash against Atletico in midweek.
Why Tudor needs to drop Sarr against Forest
In an attempt to return to winning ways in the Champions League, Spurs boss Tudor decided to stick with midfielder Pape Sarr at the heart of the side.
The Senegalese international is a player who is adored by fans in North London, but there’s no denying his showing in midweek against Simeone’s side was one to forget.
He featured for the entirety of the victory on home soil, but massively struggled to deliver with the ball at his feet - with the underlying stats highlighting his struggles.
Sarr was unable to complete any of the dribbles or long balls he attempted - subsequently gifting the ball back to the opposition on nine separate occasions.
He was also less than impressive without the ball, as he was dribbled past on two occasions, whilst also coming out on top in just 40% of the ground duels he entered.
Such numbers are way below the levels expected of the youngster in North London, with Tudor desperately needing to make a change ahead of today’s clash.
Spurs' new Modric could now replace Sarr
During today’s relegation clash, the battle of the midfield is set to be a key area, with Forest possessing a very impressive trio at the heart of their side.
Elliot Anderson has been one of the division’s most impressive talents this campaign, subsequently being linked with £100m moves to join Manchester United and Manchester City this summer.
Ibrahim Sangare is another player who’s impressed at the City Ground, with his composed nature in possession, handing Vitor Pereira’s side a base to play from.
As for Morgan Gibbs-White, the less said the better after his proposed move to join the Lilywhites last summer fell apart at the final hour…
Tudor desperately needs to nullify such a threat this afternoon, with Archie Gray a dead cert to start the game given his recent form when playing in midfield.
However, he should be joined by fellow youngster Lucas Bergvall today, with the Swedish international finally returning to senior action against Atletico in the Champions League.
The 20-year-old featured for 15 minutes off the bench on Wednesday night, which could put him in good stead ahead of the vital clash against the Reds later on today.
He’s not featured in a Premier League game since the 7th of January, as he, like many other players in the senior ranks, have massively struggled with fitness issues.
Bergvall has featured in 17 games already this term, producing numerous figures that could help the Lilywhites, whilst also being on the receiving end of huge praise.
The Swede has been hailed for having a first touch that's just “like Modric” by JJ Bull, with his stats before his injury only backing up The Athletic’s journalist’s claims about the youngster.
He’s completed 83% of the passes he’s attempted so far this term, whilst completing 1.6 successful dribbles per 90 - demonstrating his quality in possession.
Such numbers will be crucial against the Reds this season, with his quality able to draw the opposition out of position and potentially allow Tudor’s men to stroll through and create carnage.
Bergvall has also won 48% of the duels he’s contested, whilst also making 2.2 tackles per 90 - subsequently handing the Lilywhites a disruptive presence to Forest’s free-flowing football.
Other tallies, such as 3.8 ball recoveries made and 1.7 clearances made per 90, also reaffirm his excellent ball-winning capabilities - something that will be vital in an end-to-end contest.
Dropping Sarr may be a controversial call, but it’s one that desperately needs to be made by Tudor if the side are to pull clear of any looming relegation issues.
There’s no disputing that Bergvall is a more impactful player for Spurs at present, with his return to fines undoubtedly a huge boost for the fans and first team.