Opinion: Ange Postecoglou set to take a risk by dropping 100% fit star in Tottenham’s predicted XI vs Man Utd.

Ange Postecoglou alleviated some of the pressure on his position with a commanding 5-0 Premier League victory over Southampton at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday, 15 December.

The win was especially significant as one player broke a club record during the match, and it left Postecoglou in a more optimistic mood as Tottenham prepare for their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Manchester United on 19 December.

This positivity comes after a recent update from David Ornstein via NBC Sports Soccer, providing some reassurance for the Spurs manager.

However, Tottenham remain without several key players, meaning Postecoglou is likely to make changes for the clash with Manchester United to maintain freshness in his squad.

Postecoglou’s Likely Changes for the Manchester United Match

Fraser Forster has been a standout performer for Spurs, earning his first clean sheet of the season against Southampton with four saves and one high claim.

With the high stakes of the upcoming match, Forster will likely continue in goal.

Djed Spence made his first start for the club against Southampton and delivered a solid performance, earning praise for his “terrific” display.

Nevertheless, the importance of the Manchester United fixture suggests that Pedro Porro will likely return to the right-back position.

Destiny Udogie, who had a strong showing before being substituted in the 28th minute against Southampton due to injury, will also hope for a start.

The left-back had won three of his five ground duels and completed 89% of his passes before the precautionary substitution.

Postecoglou expressed optimism regarding Udogie’s recovery, making it likely he will be fit to face United.

In central defense, Archie Gray and Radu Drăgușin are expected to keep their spots after securing a clean sheet in the previous match.

Gray was particularly impressive, winning all his ground duels and completing 97% of his passes, while Drăgușin made four interceptions and a tackle.

In midfield, Pape Matar Sarr should retain his place after a strong performance against Southampton, including a goal, two key passes, and a 100% success rate with his dribbles.

There could be alterations in other midfield positions, however.

Could James Maddison Be Dropped for the Manchester United Game?

James Maddison played a key role in the victory over Southampton, scoring twice, providing two key passes, and completing 100% of his dribbles.

Lucas Bergvall also impressed on his Premier League debut, completing 98% of his passes.

However, with the tough opposition and high importance of the upcoming match, Postecoglou may opt for a more cautious midfield, bringing in Yves Bissouma to replace Bergvall.

Dejan Kulusevski could then move into Maddison’s central role, as he has often done throughout the season.

Brennan Johnson, Tottenham’s top scorer this season, is likely to come in on the right, while Dominic Solanke and Son Heung-min are expected to retain their positions.

Son was in excellent form against Southampton, scoring once, assisting twice, and creating three key passes all in the first half before being substituted for rest.

On the other hand, Solanke’s performance was less effective.

He played 82 minutes but struggled, completing only 71% of his passes and losing all four ground duels.

He will need to step up significantly for the match against Manchester United.