Predicted starting XI for Tottenham’s game against K-League all-stars

Tottenham take on the best of the best from the Korean league on Wednesday afternoon over in Seoul, and here’s how we think Ange Postecoglou will line-up for the game.

Spurs have won all of their pre-season friendlies so far this summer, defeating Cambridge United, Hearts, and QPR, before edging past Vissel Kobe with a 3-2 win at the weekend.

Now, Postecoglou‘s squad have hopped over to South Korea to take on the K-League XI, and all eyes will be on the Lilywhites to see if they can maintain this form.

But, who will start the game? Here’s what we think based on recent selections, as Postecoglou continues to ramp up the minutes of his more experienced stars.

Predicted XI for K-League clash

Guglielmo Vicario: The (now official) Spurs number one started the previous game after completing his return from Euro 2024 duties, and there’s absolutely no reason Postecoglou would drop him now. We expect the Italian to start the remaining friendlies.

Pedro Porro: The Spaniard has been a regular starter this summer and, despite the resurgence of Djed Spence, should continue to play from the start. He’s been in great form, too, including a fine goal against the J-League XI last week.

Archie Gray: Tottenham’s new teenage prodigy has been in fine form and is working hard behind the scenes, so we expect Postecoglou to keep rewarding Gray with minutes from the off. He’s played in a number of positions already in pre-season, and a centre-back slot is on the cards for the next game.

Radu Dragusin: After serving his country admirably at Euro 2024, Radu Dragusin has been spotted in training with the Spurs first-team and could be in line for his first pre-season appearance.

Ben Davies: Got 45 minutes under his belt at the weekend and should get another 45 at least in the next game. Spurs have very few options at left-back right now, given Udogie is still on the path to recovery.

Yves Bissouma: It’s been a promising start to pre-season for Bissouma, who even managed to bag his first goal for Spurs recently. If he can keep this up, we may well end up seeing the best of the Malian once more.

Pape Sarr: With Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg gone and Rodrigo Bentancur still taking time after Copa America, it’s between Sarr and Lucas Bergvall for a starting berth right now. We suspect the more experienced Sarr will get the nod.

James Maddison: It’s likely Maddison will have something of a point to prove after a disappointing end to the season that saw him miss out on England’s Euro 2024 squad. Could be a key player in the coming season if he can get back to top sharpness, and all these friendly minutes will help.

Brennan Johnson: One of the form players of this pre-season for Spurs, with an assist in the last game, a goal against Hearts, and a hattrick in the behind-closed-doors friendly against Cambridge. Has to keep starting, and hopefully can take that form into the league season.

Dejan Kulusevski: Has been playing more centrally through pre-season, but may well be utilised on the wing for the next game. He could be starting the season on the wing, too, if Spurs don’t make new signings soon.

Heung-min Son: A no-brainer this one. Tottenham’s captain and the South Korean superstar could not miss this game in his homeland.

Who else will get minutes?

Postecoglou has been switching up his lineup substantially throughout the friendlies, with changes expected at half-time and then some more around the 60-minute mark. Here are some players we think will make it onto the pitch at some point.

At half-time, we may see Brandon Austin take over between the sticks. Meanwhile, Dragusin may be given a shorter game as he’s just come back, so Ashley Phillips could replace him at the interval.

Ben Davies is working on his fitness and may also be sacrificed at half-time. Whether Postecoglou puts Jamie Donley at left-back again, or tries Djed Spence there remains to be seen. He may also utilise Emerson Royal, but the Brazilian’s imminent move to AC Milan could get in the way.

We will almost certainly see Bergvall taking to the field at some point, as well as minutes for Oliver Skipp and Alfie Devine in the second half as Postecoglou switches up his midfield three.

As for the attacking areas, Timo Werner should be introduced later in the half as he has just recovered from illness. Mikey Moore will also get a run-out and will be looking to keep up his incredible form, while Will Lankshear will also be given a chance up top, likely around the hour mark.

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