The Tottenham XI we have to see vs West Ham – Djed Spence needs a chance

The international break is underway, giving Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou time to contemplate his next move after the disappointing defeat against Brighton last weekend. Up next is a home tie against West Ham, and a big reaction is needed.

Spurs need a change against West Ham

Many of the Tottenham first-team squad saw their stock drop as a result of the Brighton game, with the defensive line in particular taking heavy criticism for their role in the capitulation.

So, with a big London derby just around the corner, and a lot of making up to do, how will Ange Postecoglou approach this game and which players will he rely on?

We’ve assembled the starting XI we think Postecoglou should go with, including a chance for a youngster, a change in defence, and a big decision to make in the middle of the park.

The team Postecoglou should use against West Ham

Guglielmo Vicario: Despite the mishaps in the defence against Brighton, Guglielmo Vicario was actually in good form and is the main reason that defeat wasn’t a damn sight more disastrous. He’s going strong at the moment, and seems to be commanding his area better, too. No doubt he should and will start.

Pedro Porro: Of the four defenders, Pedro Porro was arguably the least guilty on Sunday. He had a tough time handling Kaoru Mitoma, but then again, who doesn’t? The Spaniard has been pretty solid otherwise of late, and doesn’t deserve to be dropped.

Cristian Romero: The stand-in Spurs skipper was, quite frankly, awful against Brighton, and has looked pretty shaky all season. I’d be tempted to leave him out and go for Radu Dragusin instead, but Romero could and should step up his game after that debacle last week.

Micky van de Ven: Admittedly, van de Ven was way off his best against Brighton, but that felt more like an anomaly than anything to be concerned about. With the high line we play, the Dutchman is pretty much indispensable.

Djed Spence: It’s safe to say Destiny Udogie was the main culprit behind just about everything that went wrong against Brighton, and he simply has to sit this one out. Djed Spence has been really impressive whenever he’s played this season, and deserves this chance.

Yves Bissouma: If Postecoglou were to stick with Rodrigo Bentancur in the pivot role, I wouldn’t be disappointed or surprised. The Uruguayan did struggle to dictate the game against Brighton, though, and Bissouma has a little more dynamism and bite in him that will be useful against the Hammers.

James Maddison: We’re finally seeing our playmaker back to his best and long may it continue. Scored a fine goal against Brighton, and there is absolutely no doubt that he will continue to be one of the first names on the team sheet.

Dejan Kulusevski: Another player who has stepped his game up massively of late, and looks like an absolute world-beater in the middle of the park. Kulusevski is now essential to the creativity within the team, and has to start again.

Brennan Johnson: Six goals in six games says it all. Brennan Johnson is in red-hot form and hopefully, he can keep this streak going. An absolute no-brainer to keep him in the starting lineup.

Dominic Solanke: Registered a nice assist against Brighton, but did go missing a bit in the second half. He will be eager to get back on the scoresheet again as soon as possible for Spurs, and his trip away with England could be a good confidence booster, too.

Mikey Moore: I will caveat this by saying, if Heung-min Son is back to full fitness, he is the obvious choice to start out on the left. But, if the Spurs captain isn’t quite ready, please, Ange, I’m begging you, do not start Timo Werner again. Mikey Moore’s first goal for the club coming in a derby against West Ham; it’s meant to be!

The post The Tottenham XI we have to see vs West Ham – Djed Spence needs a chance appeared first on Spurs Web.