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The latest Spurs team news, injury update and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League clash with Ipswich Town
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Under-pressure Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecogolou finally had something to smile about last weekend as his side earned a well-deserved 1-0 victory at home to Manchester United.
It marked back-to-back league wins for the Lillywhites for the first time since September and was an ideal result to boost morale after consecutive cup exits in the Carabao Cup semi-final to Liverpool and FA Cup fourth round against Aston Villa.
Postecogolou has bemoaned his side’s injury record and schedule throughout the season and believes that to be the root cause of his side’s struggles this term.
“It's just injuries,” said Postecogolou. "I mean you can walk outside and say, 'Jeez it's really bright', and say to yourself maybe it's not the sun. But it is the sun, mate, we've just got injuries.Every decision that is made is from me. I am responsible for this. If you want a head on a stick, take mine, but I am absolutely 100% confident that we are in a better place as a football club today than when I started."
He added: "I think the squad we have got together now, they are an exciting squad and when they are all fit, I think the club will benefit, not just this year but for many years to come. We have some outstanding people that have come into the club in all areas, in every face that I think will contribute to this club being successful in the future. I firmly believe that.”
The returning James Maddison inspired Spurs to a victory against United, but now the North London side must turn their attention to a potential banana skin against a relegation-threatened Ipswich team that have already beaten them once this season in the reverse fixture.
Postecoglou is expected to name a team which resembles something closer to their strongest group. With that in mind, here is Spurs’ full predicted XI ahead of the weekend.
Goalkeeper and defenders
Across the team, Spurs have missed 128 games through injuries which is amongst the highest in the Premier League. A large portion of those have been missed by Guglielmo Vicario. However, the Italian returned to the team with an assured performance against the Red Devils and is expected to retain his place in between the posts.
Left-back Djed Spence faces competition from the returning Destiny Udogie, who is likely to at least make the subs bench. However, Spence has impressed in both of his last two previous matches and is expected to start as the Italian gains fitness.
Kevin Danso, despite being subbed off with a minor knock, is expected to retain his place in the line-up alongside the experienced Ben Davies in a makeshift centre-back role. Pedro Porro, will provide Spurs with added energy at both ends of the pitch in the right-back position, as he looks to add to his record of two goals and five assists this term.
Midfield and forwards
The returning James Maddison gave Spurs a vital boost in midfield and was the difference-maker last time out against Manchester United. The ex-Leicester City man is expected to retain his place alongside the all-action Rodrigo Bentancur. Lucas Bergvall played 60 minutes against United last time out but could be rotated for £15m midfielder Pape Sarr, who was solid when he came on against the Red Devils.
Son Heung-min, despite coming off the pitch with a knock, is expected to start outside ahead of Brennan Johnson while Dejan Kuluveski will also keep his place in attack. Dominic Solanke remains out with an injury leaving January signing Mathys Tel as the clear favourite to lead the line in the centre forward position.