Postecoglou to axe James Maddison

Ange Postecoglou could axe Tottenham midfielder James Maddison in one of three changes against Manchester United on Thursday.

Postecoglou eased some of the pressure on his shoulders with a 5-0 Premier League win against Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday [15 December]in a match which saw one player break a club record.

Therefore, the Australian will be feeling slightly more positive heading into the Carabao Cup quarter-final with Manchester United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium [19 December]especially after a recent David Ornstein update [via NBC Sports Soccer on X, 15 December].

However, Spurs remain without several key players. Therefore, Postecoglou will likely need to make some changes from the win against Southampton to keep things fresh.

Ange Postecoglou to make three Tottenham changes v Manchester United?

Fraser Forster continues to be one of the club’s most consistent performers, keeping his first clean sheet of the season against the Saints and making four saves and one high claim [Sofascore].

Djed Spence made his first start for Tottenham against Southampton and impressed with his “terrific” display. However, this game with Manchester United will be considered a bigger one meaning Pedro Porro is likely to return at right-back.

Meanwhile, Destiny Udogie will hope to start against the Reds. The left-back won three of his five ground duels and completed 89 per cent of his passes before being forced off against Southampton with an injury in the 28th minute. However, Postecoglou described the substitution as more “precautionary” [via Football London, 15 December] and there will be optimism that the Italian can return on Thursday.

At centre-back, Archie Gray and Radu Drăgușin are likely to continue alongside each other, boosted by a clean sheet on the South Coast. Gray impressed, winning 100 per cent of his ground duels and completing 97 per cent of his passes, while Drăgușin made four interceptions and one tackle.

In midfield, Pape Matar Sarr will expect to keep his place after getting on the scoresheet, playing two key passes and succeeding with 100 per cent of his dribbles. However, there could be changes elsewhere in the middle of the park.

Ange Postecoglou to axe James Maddison for Tottenham against Manchester United?

Maddison impressed at St Mary’s, scoring twice, playing two key passes, and succeeding with 100 per cent of his dribble attempts, while Lucas Bergvall completed 98 per cent of his passes on his Premier League debut.

However, considering the opposition and the importance of the match on Thursday, Postecoglou might prefer to play it slightly more safe in midfield and bring in Yves Bissouma for Bergvall, while Dejan Kulusevski could move into Maddison’s position as he has so often done this season.

That could see Spurs’ top scorer this season Brennan Johnson come in on the right, while Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min are likely to keep their places.

Son looked back to his best against the Saints, scoring once, hitting the woodwork, providing two assists and playing three key passes all in the first half before being substituted at the break for some much-needed rest with Spurs already five up.

However, it wasn’t such a productive evening for Solanke, who played 82 minutes but only managed to complete 71 per cent of his passes while losing all four ground duels, and the striker will need to show much more against United.

In other Tottenham news, a Radu Drăgușin exit update has emerged.

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