Five fringe players pushing for Tottenham start in Europa League semi-final vs Bodo/Glimt
A fair few fringe players will be battling to break into Ange Postecoglou’s starting eleven for Tottenham’s Europa League semi-final, and with spots up for grabs, every minute on the pitch now counts. Let’s meet the five firinge players who could force their way into the starting XI.
The Europa League semi-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Bodo/Glimt is shaping up to be a fascinating clash.
Both sides are looking to book a place in the final, and for Bodo/Glimt, it would be the first time they’ve reached such a stage in European competition.
Tottenham, meanwhile, are chasing their first piece of silverware since 2008. The last time they lifted the Europa League – back in the 1971/72 season – is a distant memory, but winning this one would finally end their long-standing 17-year trophy drought.
Both sides have contrasting advantages going into this tie. Tottenham have received a significant boost with three of Bodo/Glimt’s key players expected to miss the first leg.
On the flip side, Bodo/Glimt will have the luxury of a full week’s rest before the second leg, while Spurs are juggling a tight fixture list.
With so much at stake, every player will be desperate to feature – and for some on the fringes, this might be their golden chance to stake a claim.
Wilson Odobert has to beat two Tottenham players
Wilson Odobert has had a stop-start time at Tottenham. The winger, who made headlines with a brace against AZ Alkmaar, has struggled to string a consistent run together, not helped by a minor knock that sidelined him just as he looked set to kick on.
Now back in the fold, the challenge is steep. He’s not just contending with Brennan Johnson but also with Dejan Kulusevski, who has arguably been one of Tottenham’s standout performers this season.
With a trip to Anfield on the cards before the first leg of the semi-final and West Ham before the return leg, a strong showing against Liverpool could boost Odobert’s chances of featuring against Bodo/Glimt, that is, of course, if he starts.
Pape Matar Sarr needs to outperform Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur
Pape Matar Sarr is another player floating on the fringes. He’s had chances this season, but commanding displays have been few and far between.
Now, he’s in a direct battle with Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur for a spot in the middle of the park.
Given how well both have played lately, it’s hard to see how Sarr breaks through, unless he seriously raises his levels in training or seizes a rare opportunity in one of the league games leading up to the semi-final.
Richarlison pushing for a Tottenham start over Dominic Solanke
Richarlison’s form has picked up recently, and his performance against Nottingham Forest was a timely reminder of his qualities.
Despite fitness concerns and injury issues, Richarlison has still managed to outscore Dominic Solanke this year, doing so with fewer minutes under his belt.
His availability will depend on how well his body holds up between now and the semi-final, but if he stays fit and firing, he could very well lead the line for Tottenham in one of the two Europa League semi-final legs.
Djed Spence could make a case against Liverpool
For a moment, it looked like Djed Spence had leapfrogged Destiny Udogie in the pecking order, but Udogie’s composed performance in the quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt reminded everyone why he’s so highly rated.
Spence, meanwhile, hasn’t quite hit the same levels recently, not entirely his fault, given Tottenham’s poor Premier League run, but still, he needs a big performance.
The Italian full-back was rested against Nottingham Forest, which could’ve opened the door for Spence, but it’s now confirmed that Udogie is fit. Even so, a standout display against Mohamed Salah could swing the balance in Spence’s favour.
Kevin Danso could come in if Cristian Romero dips
Kevin Danso has only just returned from a hamstring issue, but looked sharp in his brief appearance against Forest.
With Cristian Romero having endured an up-and-down season, Danso might find a way in if the Argentine centre-back doesn’t maintain his levels – or if Spurs switch to a back five.
Postecoglou will have a headache managing the squad over both legs of the tie, and if Danso continues to show he’s ready, a start could be on the cards.
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