Ange Postecoglou will want his Tottenham side to pick up where they left off before the break when they face Sheffield United.
If there were any doubts regarding Ange Postecoglou’s credentials to manage a club of the size of Spurs, then the Australian has answered his critics. The Tottenham boss has managed to give his side an unbeaten start to the campaign and would eye another win against Sheffield United to maintain the pressure at the top.
In the last game, Spurs fans had a familiar taste from the past as their side went behind to newly promoted Burnley. But soon, Postecoglou’s new era came to light as Tottenham went on to crush Vincent Kompany’s side 5-2 away from home. Performances before that landed a Manager of the Month and Player of the Month double for Postegcoglou and James Maddison for August.
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 15, 2023
A Son Heung-min hattrick played a massive role in that victory, as Postecoglou eyes another scalp of a newly-promoted side. This time, the pressure on the Australian is higher, considering he would want to keep up momentum heading into next weekend’s North London Derby at the Emirates. Hence, a win over Sheffield United would set Spurs up nicely for that short trip to Arsenal.
Paul Heckingbottom’s side have been bad since the season began. They currently languish in 17th place courtesy of their thrilling draw with fellow strugglers Everton. Cameron Archer made his mark for Sheffield and showed Aston Villa they may have sold him too soon.
He scored a goal and forced another onto Pickford, as the shot fortunately hit the Everton keeper and fell into the net. While they have only one point to show after four games, Sheffield United are in danger of losing places in the coming weeks owing to a very difficult fixture list.
Heckingbottom’s side face Newcastle United next before a trip to London for games against West Ham and Fulham. After that, they host Manchester United and then travel to take on Arsenal. Going by their current form, even a point from those games may seem like a positive result, but going by their current state, even that, doesn’t seem easy.
Team News & Tactics
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou has no fresh injury concerns to worry about ahead of the Sheffield United game. Earlier in the week, there were reports of Cristian Romero and Son Heung-min picking up knocks on international duty, but the manager confirmed the duo had trained since returning to the club.
🎙 “I always felt this window was about making the first steps to rebuilding the squad and I think they’ve been positive first steps.”
Ange reflects on the summer transfer window 💬 pic.twitter.com/bMfB6OslyU
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 15, 2023
Hence, the chances of them starting against Sheffield are high and should be taken into account. Giovani Lo Celso missed out on the Argentina games with a thigh problem, and his availability will remain a doubt. Other players who are still out include Bryan Gil, Alfie Whiteman, Ryan Sessegnon and Rodrigo Bentancur.
Postecoglou should continue with a back four with Micky van de Ven and Romero in the central roles. Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro should continue as full-backs. In midfield, Yves Bissouma has yet to give any reason to lose his place at the base, with Pape Matar Sarr, his partner in that central zone.
Maddison will once again play in that core no.10 role for Spurs, with Richarlison leading the line for the team. Dejan Kulusevski will keep his place on the right side of the attack, with Son on the left, hoping to continue his impressive form of late.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Richarlison
Sheffield United
Paul Heckingbottom still has to deal with a long injury list, with at least three of their players returned from the international break with problems. Sheffield United also lost left-wing back Yasser Larouci, who went off injured against Everton.
"It feels like we're ready to go now. We know what we've got, we need to make sure we're clear on how we can have the biggest impact."
Paul Heckingbottom's pre Spurs press conference. Watch now on YouTube. 📺
— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) September 14, 2023
Luke Thomas could come into his place against Tottenham, with George Baldock likely to keep his position on the right flank. At the back, John Egan is a doubt for Sheffield United, as Heckingbottom could hand Auston Trusty a start in the centre of the back three.
Oliver Norwood will keep his place at the base of Sheffield United’s midfield, with Gustavo Hamer and Vinicius Souza on either side. In defence, Trusty could partner with Jack Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic, with the latter set to be fit for this game.
In the attack, Cameron Archer will keep his place after that terrific performance against Everton. He will form part of the front two alongside Benie Traore, as the duo will hope to threaten the Tottenham backline.
Probable Lineup (3-5-2): Foderingham; Ahmedhodzic, Trusty, Robinson; Baldock, Hamer, Norwood, Souza, Thomas; Archer, Traore
Key Stats
- Tottenham have scored at least two goals in their last five matches in the Premier League.
- Tottenham have won their last three Premier League matches.
- Tottenham are one of the six unbeaten teams left in the Premier League this season.
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Sheffield United’s last three games in the Premier League.
- The last time the two teams met, Sheffield United knocked Spurs out of the FA Cup.
Player to Watch
James Maddison
James Maddison has been voted the @premierleague Player of the Month for August! 🌟
Well in, @Madders10! 👏
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 15, 2023
One player that has captured Tottenham fans’ imagination is Maddison. Fresh from a solid start to the campaign, the England international also landed the Player of the Month accolade. Not only has he rejuvenated the team’s attack, but his fresh ideas are making them a formidable force up front.
Fans will want Maddison to continue his solid form ahead of the North London Derby, and the No.10 can keep up the momentum with a terrific performance against Sheffield. The next game will be tough. Hence, the England star must take all the confidence possible before the Emirates clash.
Prediction
Tottenham 3-1 Sheffield United
Sheffield United have come under pressure following their torrid start to the campaign with only a single point to show for their cause. The next few games also seem unwinnable, as the idea of getting a positive result from North London looks improbable.
Hence, the onus is on Tottenham to deliver yet another stellar performance and collect three points to keep up with the top order. The likes of James Maddison and Son Heung-min have also hit a hot streak of form, which could culminate in Sheffield shipping many goals in their clash in North London.
