Tottenham Hotspur are set to take on Everton in their second Premier League match of the season, with manager Ange Postecoglou expected to make a few key changes to his lineup. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Leicester City in the opening week, Spurs will be eager to secure their first win of the season at home. Everton, coming off a heavy 3-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion, will be equally determined to bounce back, making this a crucial match for both teams.
Spurs entered the season with high expectations following an impressive first year under Postecoglou. Despite an injury-riddled campaign that saw them miss out on Champions League football, Postecoglou’s attacking style has won over the fans. The team’s offensive flair, combined with a mix of young talent and experienced players, has made Tottenham an exciting side to watch.
In their opening match against Leicester, Tottenham displayed their attacking potential, creating numerous chances, especially in the first half. New signing Dominic Solanke was particularly active, pressing well and getting into good positions, though he couldn’t convert his chances. James Maddison orchestrated the play brilliantly, while fullbacks Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie constantly troubled the Leicester defense with their advanced roles.
However, the match also revealed a potential weakness in Postecoglou’s tactics. While Spurs dominated the first half, their aggressive approach left them exposed at the back. As the game progressed, Leicester began to exploit the spaces left by Tottenham’s high-pressing fullbacks. Jamie Vardy’s equalizer highlighted this vulnerability, with Cristian Romero caught out of position, allowing Vardy to score unchallenged. Leicester continued to threaten on the counter-attack, with Vardy nearly scoring a second after a pass from Facundo Buonanotte. The gaps in Tottenham’s defense and midfield became more evident, raising concerns about their defensive stability moving forward.
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Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury against Leicester, will be sidelined due to concussion protocols. This opens the door for Yves Bissouma, who missed the last game due to suspension, to return to the starting lineup. Bissouma’s inclusion could bring much-needed balance and defensive cover in midfield, potentially addressing some of the vulnerabilities exposed against Leicester. Pedro Porro, who picked up a minor knock in the same match, is expected to be fit for the weekend, ensuring that Spurs maintain their attacking threat on the right flank. Fraser Forster remains out with a foot injury, but Guglielmo Vicario, who made a crucial save against Vardy, will continue as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup in the 4-2-3-1 formation against Everton
Another likely change is Dejan Kulusevski replacing Brennan Johnson in the starting lineup. Despite an impressive pre-season where he thrived in a ‘false nine’ role, Kulusevski was surprisingly left on the bench for much of the match against Leicester City. Given his standout form over the summer and Tottenham’s need for more creativity in the final third, Postecoglou may turn to the Swedish playmaker to add the cutting edge that was missing in their Premier League opener.
Tottenham’s match against Everton offers a chance for Postecoglou’s team to show that they can learn from their mistakes. While their attacking play was strong against Leicester, their defensive frailties could be a concern against more clinical opponents. The return of Bissouma should help solidify the midfield, providing better protection for the defense. If Spurs aim to secure a top-four finish this season, they will need to find a better balance between attack and defense. Postecoglou’s high-pressing, expansive style is certainly exciting, but it needs to be tempered with tactical discipline to avoid being vulnerable to counter-attacks.
