Ange Postecoglou could consider four more Tottenham changes vs Arsenal after starter revealed
Ben Davies will take to the pitch on Sunday afternoon when Tottenham host Arsenal in the North London Derby. Unfortunately losing Destiny Udogie for the remainder of the campaign after the Italian had to undergo surgery on a quadriceps injury sustained in training when taking a shot, Ange Postecoglou must make a change at left-back for the final six games.
Having Davies and Emerson Royal as options to play there with Ryan Sessegnon also out for the rest of the term, Postecoglou was very clear on Friday afternoon when asked about the position. "Ben [Davies] will start," he stated.
So who else could come into the Tottenham XI to take on their north London rivals this weekend? football.london takes a look at the options below as the Lilywhites look to bounce back from that 4-0 humbling at Newcastle United.
Pape Matar Sarr for Rodrigo Bentancur
One player who may well find himself back in the Tottenham XI this weekend is Pape Matar Sarr. The Senegalese ace has been in and out of the team in recent weeks with Rodrigo Bentancur coming back in at times.
Bentancur fared ok in the defeat at Newcastle but Postecoglou replaced him with Sarr just prior to the hour mark. That change could take place from the start on Sunday, especially with the youngster's energy and work rate going to be needed in the middle of the park to try and nullify the Gunners.
A midfield three of Sarr, Yves Bissouma and James Maddison performed so well at the Emirates Stadium in September, meaning Postecoglou may choose to opt for the same three once again.
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Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for Yves Bissouma
Tottenham have unfortunately just not see the very best of Bissouma for quite a while now. Delivering some outstanding showings in the opening weeks of the season, the Mali international's form has dropped since November and he has really struggled to recapture his previous levels.
Despite his current woes, the 27-year-old has continued to feature in the Tottenham midfield and has started eight of their nine games since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations. Bissouma has been replaced early in the last two fixtures, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg coming on to take his place and performing well, most notably against Nottingham Forest.
That may leave Postecoglou with a decision to make over the pair as Hojbjerg could add a bit more steel to the midfield and bring his experience and leadership qualities. However, Bissouma is the player more suited to Postecoglou's system and that will likely tip things in his favour.
Richarlison for Timo Werner
Richarlison is back to fitness just in time for such an important match in Tottenham's season. Unfortunately missing out in the past two games due to a knee issue, the Brazilian has been a miss due to his physical presence up front.
Son Heung-min has played in that role recently but the Spurs captain has barely made an impact on proceedings in the past three games. A start for Richarlison would free Son up and allow him to do what he does best from the left flank.
It may all come down to where exactly Richarlison is with his fitness, though, after spending the past few weeks on the sidelines. If he is to start and take Timo Werner's place, he could well cause the Arsenal backline some problems and that in turn may play into Son's hands.
Dejan Kulusevski for Brennan Johnson
The other attacking change Postecoglou could consider is bringing Dejan Kulusevski into the side in place of Brennan Johnson. The ex-Juventus man has really struggled for form of late and has taken his place on the bench in the past three games having been an undroppable previously.
Kulusevski, who performed well in a front three including Son and Brennan Johnson at the Emirates Stadium back in September, will be hoping he gets the nod to start as he bids to return to his best as Tottenham eye up a Champions League spot. Left-back is the weakest position in Arsenal's backline and that leaves Postecoglou with a big call to make over Kulusevski and Johnson.
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