Tottenham Hotspur begin the 2024/25 Premier League season with a trip to Leicester City on Monday evening.
Spurs have endured mixed fortunes in their two most recent visits to Leicester. They were hammered 4-1 in 2022/23 despite the Foxes getting relegated at the end of the campaign but secured a famous 3-2 victory the season prior, with Steven Bergwijn netting in the 95th and 97th minute to secure a remarkable win.
Ange Postecoglou, fresh from his second pre-season at the helm, will be hoping for a less eventful outing on Monday, with the Australian aiming to build on the rigid foundations put in place during his debut campaign in the dugout.
Spurs’ issues have largely been in defence since the former Celtic manager took over and pre-season suggests it will be more of the same this term. However, the return of key defensive personnel ahead of the trip to the Midlands offers encouragement to supporters.
Here is how Tottenham could line up for their division opener.
GK: Guglielmo Vicario – An impressive debut season saw Vicario swiftly gain the trust of Postecoglou and the Tottenham supporters. He’ll be looking to build on an encouraging start to life in England.
RB: Pedro Porro – Questions may be asked of the Spaniard defensively but there can be no doubting his influence in the opposition half. One of the most consistent attacking full-backs in the division, he will continue to be a key creative force for the Lilywhites in 2024/25.
CB: Cristian Romero – There may be a temptation to rest the Argentine, who has only recently returned from his Copa America triumph. However, Romero is essential to how Spurs want to play both on and off the ball, making him a must-start when available.
CB: Micky van de Ven – Similarly, Van de Ven has had little time with Spurs in pre-season due to Euro 2024 but his pace and athleticism make him an essential member of an incredibly high line.
LB: Destiny Udogie – Having just returned from a long-term injury, it’s unclear how fit the Italian is heading into the opening round of fixtures. He could be rested for Djed Spence or Ben Davies but Udogie is Tottenham’s leading left-back when fit.
DM: Archie Gray – The £40m summer signing knows all about Leicester from his time at Leeds United last season, winning both fixtures against the Foxes in the Championship. Perhaps a little confidence boost ahead of a likely debut.
DM: Pape Matar Sarr – The suspension of Yves Bissouma means Sarr is almost certain to start on Monday night. The 21-year-old showed plenty of promise last term with three goals and as many assists in 34 Premier League outings.
RW: Dejan Kulusevski – The Swede has operated as a false nine during pre-season but should revert back to the right flank at the King Power Stadium. He managed three goals and an assist during summer friendlies, including a recent brace against Bayern Munich.
AM: James Maddison – It will be interesting to see what reception Maddison receives on his first return to his old stomping ground. One would expect it will be largely positive – unless he plays too well, of course.
LW: Son Heung-min – The acquisition of an orthodox number nine in the market means Son should earn consistent minutes on his favoured left flank this season. Even during his poorer spells he is a relentless provider.
ST: Dominic Solanke – A minor foot injury has thrown a debut into doubt but Tottenham’s record signing has a strong chance of starting according to Postecoglou. After 19 league goals last season, expectations will be high for the former Chelsea, Liverpool and Bournemouth star.
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