Ange Postecoglou is sure his Tottenham players are up for the challenge as they look to overturn a one-goal deficit in their Europa League round of 16 tie against AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch side head to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium holding a 1-0 lead after clinching victory in the Netherlands last week following Lucas Bergvall's own goal.
Tottenham just weren't at the races one week ago and were duly punished in the first leg. There's plenty of pressure on Postecoglou and his side in the decisive return game but it is something they need to embrace as they aim to achieve a place in the quarter-finals.
"There's always pressure there and yes, it's a big game, but, you know, if we're successful tomorrow night, it'll be the same in the next round," said the 59-year-old in his pre-match press conference. "That's when you're in the later stages of European or any cup competition, you kind of know every game is meaningful because it either means the end of the road or you progress, so we understand that, we need to embrace that, it's good that we're at home. It'll be a good challenge for us, but I'm sure it's what we're up for."
Making changes to his Tottenham team last weekend against Bournemouth, the boss will likely do the same on Thursday night as he looks to find the perfect formula. So who could come into his starting XI? football.london takes a look below.
Destiny Udogie for Djed Spence/Pedro Porro
Destiny Udogie only got a matter of minutes to his name last weekend and he will be in contention to come into the Tottenham team against AZ Alkmaar. Postecoglou does have options because of the versatility of Djed Spence and that means Pedro Porro could be at risk of dropping down to the bench.
If that is the case, Spence can line up at right-back as Udogie plays in his natural left-back position. If Porro maintains his place then it will be Spence, who has been an undroppable since coming into the team, having to watch on from the side.
Micky van de Ven/Archie Gray for Kevin Danso
Micky van de Ven made his return from injury against Bournemouth last Sunday after coming on for the final 29 minutes of the contest. The minutes will have done the Dutchman the world of good and it could lead to him starting at home to AZ.
Speaking in his post-match press conference last weekend, the Spurs boss did mention the importance of players such as Van de Ven and Cristian Romero getting pitch time ahead of Thursday night, thus hinting at possible starting roles for them. As Kevin Danso is out injured with a hamstring issue, Van de Ven will be the favourite to come in but you certainly cannot rule out Archie Gray starting at centre-back despite the boss having his first-choice centre-backs available again.
Lucas Bergvall for Rodrigo Bentancur
Bergvall looks a definite to start on Thursday night as he is such a key player in the Tottenham team right now. The Swede dropped down to the bench last weekend but he immediately made a difference after entering the fray at the break.
The 19-year-old could possibly take on Rodrigo Bentancur's No.6 role in the Uruguayan's absence through suspension. Bergvall has a major role to play and he could hold the key to Tottenham's hopes of progressing.
James Maddison for Yves Bissouma/Pape Matar Sarr
James Maddison is another who looks a certainty to start in Tottenham's midfield. The England international has contributed with ten goals and seven assists already this season and it would be nice if those numbers increased on Thursday night.
In Dejan Kulusevski's absence through injury, Maddison needs to take on the creative mantle and drag Spurs kicking and screaming to the next round. One of Yves Bissouma or Pape Matar Sarr could make way to accommodate their teammate, with the latter maybe having done enough to keep his place in the team after scoring in the Bournemouth encounter.
Mathys Tel for Brennan Johnson
The return of Dominic Solanke to the starting XI could mean that Mathys Tel gets a go in the position Postecoglou and Spurs see him playing in. Played out wide on his Spurs debut against Aston Villa at the beginning of February, the Frenchman has since operated as a striker in Solanke and Richarlison's absence.
With Brennan Johnson struggling in his past couple of appearances and Wilson Odobert catching the eye but failing to make a real impact in the final third, that could open the door for Tel to come in and start.
Son Heung-min for Wilson Odobert
It would be a shock if Son Heung-min remained on the bench for the AZ game after starting there against Bournemouth. The Spurs captain did get a goal in the 2-2 draw from the penalty spot and he also hit the post with a curling effort following his half-time introduction.
Odobert could be the player at risk to allow Son to take up his usual position on the left flank.
Spurs' season-defining game and the big Archie Gray question - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham.