Sports Mole

The bookmakers' favourites to win this season's Europa League are Tottenham Hotspur, who travel to the Netherlands to take on AZ Alkmaar at the AFAS Stadion in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Thursday evening.

While Spurs secured fourth spot in the 36-team League Phase standings, AZ finished in 19th place and required a 6-3 aggregate victory over Galatasaray in the playoff round to reach the knockout rounds.

Match preview

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Since the beginning of December, Tottenham have played 23 times across all competitions and have lost 11 of those, most recently suffering a narrow 1-0 home defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League a week last Wednesday.

Spurs are in danger of failing to secure a top-10 finish in the Premier League, let alone a European spot for next season as they sit 13th in the table and nine points behind 10th-placed Aston Villa, 10 points behind the top seven and 14 points behind the top four with 11 games remaining.

Having already been knocked out of both domestic cups, head coach Ange Postecoglou is now under pressure to deliver Europa League glory to Spurs supporters after stating at the start of this season that he "always win things in my second year".

Postecoglou believes there is still "an opportunity" to salvage Tottenham's season both in the Premier League and Europa League. The Lilywhites ended the League Phase with back-to-back wins over Hoffenheim (3-2) and Elfsborg (3-0) and they have already beaten Thursday's opponents AZ this season, winning 1-0 at home on matchday three.

Spurs have won seven of their last 11 games in major European competition against Dutch opposition (D2 L2), including their most recent away at Ajax (3-2) in May 2019 en route to the Champions League final. However, they have only come out on top in three of their last 18 away legs in major European knockout ties (D5 L10).

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Since drawing 2-2 with Galatasaray in the second leg of their Europa League playoff tie, a week after claiming a statement 4-1 home victory in the first leg, AZ Alkmaar have had mixed success on the domestic front.

After edging past Fortuna Sittard by a 1-0 scoreline in the Eredivisie, De Kaasboeren secured their spot in the KNVB Beker final after beating Hercules 4-3 on penalties following an entertaining 2-2 draw in 120 minutes. However, AZ fell to a 3-1 league loss at Heerenveen last weekend.

Maarten Martens's side subsequently missed the chance to climb back into third place - the Europa League qualification spot in the Eredivisie table - and they now sit sixth with 10 games remaining to reduce the three-point gap to the top three.

AZ travel to title hopefuls Ajax in their next Eredivisie match, but they can now focus fully on their two-legged Europa League tie against Spurs, with no domestic fixture scheduled over the weekend, and will endeavour to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2013-14 campaign.

De Kaasboeren, who have won only two of their previous 19 meetings with English clubs, have scored 19 Europa League goals this season, with only three teams netting more; they have not scored more than 20 goals in a major European season since 2006-07 (26).

AZ Alkmaar Europa League form:

AZ Alkmaar form (all competitions):

Tottenham Hotspur Europa League form:

Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

Team News

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AZ Alkmaar will be without key attacking midfielder Sven Mijnans as he is nursing an Achilles tendon injury. Jayden Addai (ankle) is also sidelined, while Ruben van Bommel and Mexx Meerdink are both doubtful.

Zico Buurmeester, who scored against Heerenveen last weekend, is set to continue in the number 10 role in the absence of Mijnans, operating just in front of centre-midfield duo Jordy Clasie - formerly of Southampton - and Peer Koopmeiners.

Former Tottenham striker Troy Parrott is AZ's top scorer this season with 17 goals in all competitions, including four in the Europa League, and the 23-year-old Irishman is expected to lead the line for the hosts.

As for Spurs, Dejan Kulusevski has been pictured wearing a protective boot on his left foot and is reportedly set for at least a week on the sidelines. Radu Dragusin (ACL) is a long-term absentee, while Thursday's game is set to come too soon for both Dominic Solanke (knee) and Richarlison (calf).

Antonin Kinsky, Fraser Forster, Timo Werner and Sergio Reguilon are all ineligible after being left out of Spurs' Europa League squad, while Postecoglou has said that Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero (both thigh) have an "outside chance" of returning against AZ as they have both taken part in training. Ben Davies (load management) will also be assessed ahead of kickoff.

January signings Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel are both expected to make their first European appearances for Tottenham, the latter will likely be joined in attack by Son Heung-min, who has scored seven major European knockout goals for Spurs; only Dimitar Berbatov (12) has scored more for the club this century.

AZ Alkmaar possible starting lineup:

Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, De Wit; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo; Parrott

Tottenham Hotspur possible starting lineup:

Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Maddison, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Tel, Son

We say: AZ Alkmaar 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur

Winning the Europa League is now Tottenham's priority and Postecoglou can ill-afford to watch his side - one still possessing quality despite their lengthy injury list - produce a below-par performance if they wish to secure an important first-leg advantage.

AZ Alkmaar will be no pushovers for the North Londoners and are yet to lose at home in Europe this season (W4 D1), but we think that this run may come to an end and Spurs find a way to secure a slender win in the Netherlands.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Tottenham Hotspur return to action on Thursday evening when they square off against AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.

Ange Postecoglou's side will take to the pitch having enjoyed more than a week off since their 1-0 reverse at the hands of Manchester City on February 26.

Although Postecoglou would have preferred to have been participating in the FA Cup at the weekend, the break has allowed for a much-needed break for his over-run squad and key players to put themselves on the brink of a return.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Tottenham's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their trip to the Netherlands to face opponents that they edged out in the League Phase last year.

Ben Davies

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Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Other

Possible return date: March 6 (vs. AZ Alkmaar)

Davies has not made an appearance for Spurs since the win over Manchester United on February 16. However, having had an extra week to recover from a minor issue, the expectation is that the Wales international will be fit to feature on Thursday night.

Richarlison

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Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: March 6 (vs. AZ Alkmaar)

Injury-riddled striker Richarlison has been currently working his way back from the calf injury that he sustained against Liverpool in the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-finals at the start of February. However, the forward is on the brink of recovering and returning to the squad.

Radu Dragusin

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Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Romanian centre-back Dragusin recently underwent successful surgery on the ACL problem that he sustained in January, one that will sideline him for the rest of the season.

Dominic Solanke

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Star striker Solanke is also rehabilitating from his own knee injury, albeit one far less serious than Dragusin's. Although there is a slim chance that he could return to the squad for this fixture, the game against Bournemouth three days later is more realistic.

Cristian Romero

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Romero's recovery from a quadriceps injury is taking longer than anticipated, but Postecoglou is confident that the Argentine will be fit to return in the early stages of next month. As it stands, a place in the squad against AZ cannot be ruled out, albeit it remaining unlikely at this stage.

Micky van de Ven

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Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Thigh

Possible return date: March 9 (vs. Bournemouth)

Likewise, Van de Ven is in a similar position to Romero as he builds up his fitness after a thigh injury. The Netherlands international has been tipped to have 'an outside chance' of making the squad for this game.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR'S SUSPENSION LIST

Tottenham Hotspur have no suspended players for this match.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly reached a final decision over the long-term future of Timo Werner.

Since January 2023, the Germany international has been allowed to spend time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium by his parent club RB Leipzig.

At the time, the deal worked for all parties, particularly the player who was interested in a return to London after his previous period with Chelsea as well as joining a club where he could earn more game time.

However, the versatile attacker has been able to contribute just three times and six assists from his 41 appearances in all competitions.

Despite that below-par return, a buy clause of £8.5m remains in place for Spurs, one that arguably brings value courtesy of Werner's experience and ability to play across the forward line.

Will Spurs sign Werner?

Nevertheless, as per The Mirror, Spurs currently have no intention of activating that option in the summer.

The report suggests that Werner is already of the opinion that he will be returning to RB Leipzig where talks will need to be held over his next move.

Werner holds a contract at the Bundesliga outfit until 2026, yet there will seemingly be little desire from either party to extend terms.

Although Werner is a club legend through his 113 goals and 47 assists from 213 appearances, he failed to impress during the first half of 2023-24 and would likely struggle to earn regular football upon his return.

MLS side New York Red Bulls are allegedly monitoring the situation in the event that Werner wishes to take on a fresh challenge in the United States.

Was there ever any doubt?

Ever since head coach Ange Postecoglou publicly criticised Werner for his performance in a Europa League fixture at Rangers, the writing has appeared to be on the wall.

Werner has also recently spent a period on the sidelines through injury at a time when Postecoglou has recovered some of his other attackers and Spurs make gradual improvements.

Spurs won three Premier League games in a row before Werner returned to the squad for the 1-0 reverse at home to Manchester City last week.

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma has reportedly caught the eye of one Premier League team and two foreign clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Mali international is alleged to be one of seven senior Spurs players who could be moved on this summer, having quickly lost his status as an undisputed starter in North London.

Bissouma was a bit-part player during his debut campaign in the English capital under Antonio Conte and Ryan Mason, but he formed an effective partnership with Pape Sarr during the earliest days of Ange Postecoglou's tenure.

However, the 28-year-old struggled to maintain the form that made him a weekly starter, and he has only made the first XI on 12 occasions in the 2024-25 Premier League season.

Furthermore, Bissouma is still under the same contract terms he first signed in North London, and he will become a free agent at the end of the 2025-26 campaign should he not sign an extension.

Crystal Palace 'among clubs' interested in Bissouma

Rather than risk losing him for nothing next summer, GIVEMESPORT claims that Tottenham will try to recoup some - if not all - of the £24.1m that they paid Brighton & Hove Albion for the midfielder in 2022.

Three clubs have allegedly been alerted to the fact that Spurs are open to a summer sale, including Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and Ligue 1 duo Marseille and Nice.

Spurs are not said to have any intention of offering Bissouma a new contract at present, and the player is open to a return to the French top flight, where he represented Lille between 2016 and 2018.

However, the report adds that Palace are 'expected' to enquire over Bissouma's availability and could have an edge in the race if the 28-year-old wants to stay in London where he is settled.

Bissouma has registered two goals in 88 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions across the last two-and-a-half years, netting both of those efforts in the 2024-25 Premier League season against Everton and West Ham United.

Could Bissouma exit lead to Adam Wharton opportunity?

If Palace do decide to firm up their interest in Bissouma this season, an intriguing exchange could arise involving Adam Wharton, who is understood to be on Tottenham's transfer radar.

The Eagles may very well be running the rule over Bissouma as a potential replacement for the in-demand Wharton, also believed to be wanted by both Manchester clubs after quickly adapting to the demands of Premier League football.

However, Tottenham could try to use Palace's interest in Bissouma to their advantage, giving rise to the possibility of a part-exchange deal or a separate transaction for Wharton with their London rivals.

Spurs are back in action on Thursday night, taking on AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 showdown, before hosting Bournemouth in Sunday's Premier League battle. body check tags ::

Manchester City Women will travel to Brisbane Road for Sunday's Women's Super League clash against Tottenham Hotspur Women.

The Citizens are sitting in fourth place with 28 points to their name, while Spurs are 11 points further back in sixth position.

Match preview

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Spurs went into the international break in a downbeat mood after losing three consecutive games in all competitions, including a heavy defeat in the North London derby against Arsenal.

An early Clare Hunt own goal ultimately set the tone for a disappointing afternoon for Tottenham, as they slumped to a 5-0 defeat against their local rivals to go three straight matches without a goal.

Tottenham boss Robert Vilahamn will be disappointed with the fact that his side have the WSL's second-worst defensive record after shipping 31 goals in 14 league matches this season.

Spurs will be pleased to have home advantage for their first game from the international break, especially as they have won three of their previous five WSL home outings (L2).

However, they have lost each of their five WSL home meetings with Man City, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent home encounter in January 2024.

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Man City have a fight on their hands to secure Women's Champions League qualification after losing four of their last seven top-flight matches (W3).

That run of results saw Man City lose to Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Arsenal, with those defeats leaving the Citizens in fourth place and two points adrift of the top four.

The Citizens did at least win two of their three league matches before the international window, including a commanding 4-0 victory over Liverpool in their most recent outing, which came courtesy of a Bunny Shaw brace and goals from Jill Roord and Gracie Prior.

They would have been particularly pleased with the clean sheet after conceding 12 goals across their four games prior to the comfortable win.

Gareth Taylor's side will be looking to produce another dominant performance in Sunday's away trip, especially as they cruised to a 4-0 win in November's reverse fixture against Tottenham largely thanks to a Shaw hat-trick.

Tottenham Hotspur Women Women's Super League form:

Tottenham Hotspur Women form (all competitions):

Manchester City Women Women's Super League form:

Manchester City Women form (all competitions):

Team News

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Spurs remain without the injured duo of Amy James-Turner and Kit Graham, while Hunt will serve a one-match suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards.

Hunt's suspension could present Switzerland international Luana Buhler with the chance to feature in central defence alongside Molly Bartrip.

Eveliina Summanen is available following a six-game injury absence, but it remains to be seen whether she will be risked from the start.

As for the visitors, they are unable to call upon defender Rebecca Knaak, who picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Germany.

Defender Alex Greenwood and attacker Lauren Hemp remain unavailable for selection, but there is hope that the pair could return to fitness at some point in March.

Laura Coombs is closing in on a return to fitness, although it is unclear whether she will be ready for Sunday's away trip.

Tottenham Hotspur Women possible starting lineup:

Kop; Neville, Buhler, Bartrip, Nilden; Vinberg, Oroz; Raso, Thomas, Naz; England

Manchester City Women possible starting lineup:

Yamashita; Prior, Aleixandri, Layzell, Ouahabi; Roord, Hasegawa, Miedema; Fujino, Fowler, Shaw

We say: Tottenham Hotspur Women 1-2 Manchester City Women

Man City may have experienced an inconsistent run of results before the international break, but we still believe their extra quality will help them claim a narrow victory over a Tottenham side that have lost four of their last five competitive outings.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.

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Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo is now at high risk of missing some important Premier League fixtures due to suspension.

The 23-year-old was booked for a fourth straight match in the 4-0 victory over Southampton on Tuesday night, taking his Premier League tally to nine for the season.

Caicedo avoided picking up a one-match ban for five yellows as his fifth came in the win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on gameweek 22, which is after the cutoff point where that offence is no longer punishable with suspension.

However, the cards have now piled up for the Ecuadorian international, and another silly one while the Blues were in complete control against the Saints in midweek leaves him vulnerable to a two-match ban.

Caicedo to miss Arsenal, Spurs clashes?

If Caicedo is to pick up another booking in their home clash against Leicester City on March 9, he will then be ruled out of their enticing all-London affairs against Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

A ban looks very likely at some point in the season for the midfielder, because Chelsea will play another five Premier League games before the window ends for suspension for 10 yellow cards.

That will be on gameweek 32, when Chelsea face Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge, but with the battle for the Champions League places so tight, manager Enzo Maresca cannot afford to stifle Caicedo's style of play, or to protect him by leaving him out of the starting XI.

With tricky trips across West London to Brentford and Fulham on the horizon in April too, Caicedo's potential absence would be notable, and Chelsea need their best possible XI available to them, given their current predicament.

Maresca's side did briefly move back into the top four on Tuesday, but Manchester City overtook them courtesy of a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur 24 hours later.

The race for the top-five is devilishly tight, with any dropped points set to be costly, as just six points separate third and 10th.

How likely is a two-match ban for Caicedo?

Will Hughes became the first Premier League player to amass 10 Premier League bookings this season when he was yellow carded against Aston Villa, and the Crystal Palace midfielder will now miss their next two matches.

If the last two Premier League seasons are anything to go by, then Caicedo is set to join him, as he has received a double-figure tally of yellow cards in both.

In his final season at Brighton in 2022-23 Caicedo picked up 10 in the league and 12 in all competitions, while he collected 11 in his debut league season at Chelsea last year, and a further three in cup competitions.

Caicedo has played all 27 Premier League games for Chelsea so far this season, and, injury permitting, will do so again against Leicester, but he now knows he must watch his step carefully.

Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min is reportedly wanted by Bayern Munich, with the attacker said to be keen to move to a club with greater ambition.

Spurs were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City on Wednesday night, and the loss brought to an end a period of three consecutive Premier League victories.

Ange Postecoglou's side are now 13th in the table with just 33 points, and are 14 points from City, who occupy the fourth and final Champions League qualification spot.

Winning the Europa League looks like the Londoners best chance of securing European football, but a European triumph this season cannot detract from the club's dismal domestic season.

In more bad news for Spurs fans, Fichajes claim that Bayern Munich could swoop for legend Son Heung-min, who is reportedly frustrated by Tottenham's lack of ambition.

Should Spurs let Son go?

Son managed to provide two assists for Tottenham during his side's 4-1 win against Ipswich Town on February 22, and he was undoubtedly one of the best players on the pitch.

However, the 32-year-old has at times been criticised for his performances this campaign, and given he will be 33 in July, some sections of the fanbase worry that his best may be behind him.

In the Premier League in 2024-25, the winger has scored six goals and provided nine assists, and these figures currently make this season the second least productive of his Tottenham career.

To Son's credit, he only needs to be involved in six more goals and assists to equal the tally he achieved in 2019-20, which was his fourth most productive season at Spurs in the league.

The South Korean international will have just a year left on his Spurs contract in the summer, so a decision will need to be made about whether to extend him and risk that his performance levels decline while at the club.

A reunion with Kane?

Former Tottenham striker Harry Kane made the switch to Bayern in the summer of 2023-24 after spending 11 seasons with Spurs and scoring 213 Premier League goals.

Despite his tally making him the division's second highest goalscorer ever, the Englishman failed to win silverware with the club.

Son has scored 126 Premier League goals and is currently the joint 17th highest scorer in the competition's history, but trophy success has so far alluded him.

If the winger moved to Bayern in the summer window there is every chance that he could end his silverware drought, especially given the German giants have dominated the Bundesliga, winning 11 of the last 12 titles on offer.

Aiming to become the first club to beat both Manchester City and Manchester United three times in the same season, Tottenham Hotspur host the Premier League champions on Wednesday evening.

Ange Postecoglou's troops were convincing 4-1 victors over Ipswich Town on Saturday, one day before the Sky Blues were bested 2-0 by Liverpool, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for both clubs.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR vs. MANCHESTER CITY

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Out: Radu Dragusin (ACL), Dominic Solanke (knee), Richarlison (calf), Cristian Romero (thigh), Micky van de Ven (thigh), Ben Davies (load management)

Doubtful: Timo Werner (hamstring)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Spence; Maddison, Bentancur, Sarr; Kulusevski, Johnson, Son

MANCHESTER CITY

Out: Rodri (ACL), Oscar Bobb (ankle), Manuel Akanji (abductor), John Stones (thigh)

Doubtful: Erling Haaland (knee)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Ederson; Lewis, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez, Kovacic; Savinho, Silva, Doku; Marmoush

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match .

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Ben Davies will miss out on selection for the Manchester City game on Wednesday night.

The North Londoners head into their latest Premier League fixture having put together a three-match winning streak in the competition.

Victories have been recorded over Brentford, Manchester United and Ipswich Town respectively, Spurs moving into 12th place in the standings.

Postecoglou's side have improved at the same time as a number of players have been able to return to the squad after varying periods on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, speaking to the club's official website on Tuesday, Postecoglou acknowledged that his squad would not be facilitating Davies in the short term.

What did Postecoglou say?

Davies has played a key role in the absences of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, making a total of 16 starts and two substitute outings in all competitions.

However, having missed the game with Ipswich at the weekend with an undisclosed issue, Postecoglou has ruled the Wales international out for a second match.

He said: "Good news, everyone who played got through really well. It's great that we could give guys like Madders (James Maddison) and Pedro [Porro] a bit of a rest and still be able to come on, and contribute, and get game time into Brennan [Johnson] and Destiny [Udogie].

"They all came through really well. So, that means it will be a similar squad for tomorrow.

"We were hoping maybe Ben would be ready for this game, he won't make it, but we've a seven-day break (after City), so, he'll miss out."

Similar starting lineup?

As Postecoglou alluded to, he was able to rest players during the second half at Portman Road, as well as hand opportunities to squad members who have spent time on the sidelines.

With Romero and Van de Ven still at least a week away from a return to the squad, it appears plausible that Archie Gray will partner Kevin Danso in the middle of the defence.

Tottenham Hotspur head coach Ange Postecoglou has revealed that Ben Davies will miss out on selection for the Manchester City game on Wednesday night.

The North Londoners head into their latest Premier League fixture having put together a three-match winning streak in the competition.

Victories have been recorded over Brentford, Manchester United and Ipswich Town respectively, Spurs moving into 12th place in the standings.

Postecoglou's side have improved at the same time as a number of players have been able to return to the squad after varying periods on the sidelines.

Nevertheless, speaking to the club's official website on Tuesday, Postecoglou acknowledged that his squad would not be facilitating Davies in the short term.

What did Postecoglou say?

Davies has played a key role in the absences of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, making a total of 16 starts and two substitute outings in all competitions.

However, having missed the game with Ipswich at the weekend with an undisclosed issue, Postecoglou has ruled the Wales international out for a second match.

He said: "Good news, everyone who played got through really well. It's great that we could give guys like Madders (James Maddison) and Pedro [Porro] a bit of a rest and still be able to come on, and contribute, and get game time into Brennan [Johnson] and Destiny [Udogie].

"They all came through really well. So, that means it will be a similar squad for tomorrow.

"We were hoping maybe Ben would be ready for this game, he won't make it, but we've a seven-day break (after City), so, he'll miss out."

Similar starting lineup?

As Postecoglou alluded to, he was able to rest players during the second half at Portman Road, as well as hand opportunities to squad members who have spent time on the sidelines.

With Romero and Van de Ven still at least a week away from a return to the squad, it appears plausible that Archie Gray will partner Kevin Danso in the middle of the defence.