In an exciting pre-season matchup, Tottenham Hotspur is set to face off against a selection of the finest players from the K-League on Wednesday afternoon in Seoul. As the team continues its preparation for the upcoming season, fans are keenly anticipating how head coach Ange Postecoglou will arrange his squad for this high-profile encounter.
Tottenham has enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign thus far, securing victories in all their friendly matches. The Lilywhites have triumphed over clubs such as Cambridge United, Hearts, and QPR, and they recently edged past Vissel Kobe with a thrilling 3-2 win. The team’s impressive form raises expectations as they travel to South Korea to challenge the K-League XI.
With the match approaching, speculation is rife regarding the starting lineup that Postecoglou will deploy. Based on recent performances and selections, here’s a look at the predicted starting XI for the clash against the K-League all-stars.
Predicted Starting XI
- Guglielmo Vicario: The newly appointed Spurs number one is expected to retain his position after returning from his duties at Euro 2024. Having started the previous friendly, Vicario is likely to continue as the first-choice goalkeeper throughout the remaining pre-season matches.
- Pedro Porro: The dynamic Spaniard has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup this summer. Despite competition from Djed Spence, Porro’s impressive form, including a standout goal against the J-League XI, suggests he will start against the K-League side.
- Archie Gray: The young talent has been making waves during pre-season, showcasing his versatility by playing in multiple positions. Coach Postecoglou is expected to reward Gray with a starting role, potentially in a centre-back position, as he continues to develop his skills on the pitch.
- Radu Dragusin: After a commendable performance at Euro 2024, Dragusin has been training with the first team. His inclusion in the starting lineup for this match could mark his first appearance of the pre-season.
- Ben Davies: Having played 45 minutes in the recent match against Vissel Kobe, Davies is likely to see more action in this game. With limited options at left-back due to Udogie’s recovery process, Davies’ experience will be crucial for the team.
- Yves Bissouma: Bissouma has had a promising start to the pre-season, even scoring his first goal for the club. If he can maintain this momentum, he may become a key player for Spurs in the upcoming season.
- Pape Sarr: With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg departing and Rodrigo Bentancur still recovering from Copa America, Sarr is in contention for a starting spot. Given his experience, Sarr is likely to be favored over Lucas Bergvall for this match.
- James Maddison: Maddison is expected to be eager to make an impact after missing out on England’s Euro 2024 squad. With a point to prove, he could play a pivotal role in Spurs’ attacking efforts during the upcoming season.
- Brennan Johnson: Johnson has emerged as one of the standout performers in pre-season, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His form and creativity will be essential as Tottenham looks to maintain its winning streak.
As the match draws near, fans are excited to see how Postecoglou’s tactical decisions will unfold against the K-League all-stars. The blend of seasoned players and emerging talents in the predicted lineup showcases the depth and potential of the Spurs squad as they gear up for the challenges ahead.
This clash not only serves as a test of Tottenham’s preparations but also offers an opportunity for players to stake their claim for a starting position in the upcoming season. With the competitive spirit of the K-League XI, fans can expect an entertaining and fiercely contested match.
As Tottenham continues to refine its squad and strategies, all eyes will be on the players to deliver a performance that exemplifies their hard work and dedication throughout pre-season training.