Unlike their English counterparts, Tottenham Hotspur are yet to ensure a place in the Europa League knockouts and would require a result on Thursday night against LASK. The Austrian side suffered a 3-0 defeat in North London but are upbeat and motivated ahead of hosting Jose Mourinho’s men at Linzer Stadion.
4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup To Face LASK
Defence
Although Hugo Lloris is still the Lilywhites’ ‘number 1’ keeper, the Portuguese has handed Joe Hart a rare run of games in Europe. The former Manchester City custodian is likely to be recalled into action with Alfie Whiteman (who was brought in against Ludogorets with 10 minutes remaining) deputizing him among the substitutes.
The entire ‘back four’ is likely to be replaced with summer signing Matt Doherty and Welshman Ben Davies getting the nod down the wide ahead of Serge Aurier and Sergio Reguilón respectively. Joe Rodon had a towering presence against the Blues but might make way for Davinson Sanchez and pair up with academy starlet Japhet Tanganga in order to rest the tired legs of Eric Dier in the heart of the backline.
Midfield
Mourinho is blessed to have enough depth in the middle of the park and should opt for Harry Winks and Giovani Lo Celso as the double pivot to orchestrate the show from behind. Moussa Sissoko and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg remain favourites to feature against the Gunners.
Tottenham have plenty of wide attacking options in their ranks and we might see Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura occupying the flanks versus LASK. Still struggling to regain his past glory, Dele Ali deserves another opportunity from his preferred attacking midfield slot having impressed in their previous Europa League encounter. His versatility might see him operating from a slightly deeper role allowing Lo Celso to have free runs in and around the opponents’ defensive third.
Attack
Mourinho should stick to Carlos Vinícius upfront as the lone centre-forward who fired in a couple of goals and assisted another against Ludogorets a week ago. The Brazilian, on loan from Benfica, is still settling down in the new surroundings and has served the purpose of being an able understudy to Harry Kane as of now.
