Mathys Tel will be hoping to start for Tottenham Hotspur against AZ in the Europa League on Thursday night

Tottenham predicted team vs AZ - Big Djed Spence decision, Tel starts with key Lucas Bergvall role

by · football.london

Here is the Tottenham team that we reckon Ange Postecoglou will select to face AZ in the Europa League round of 16 second leg on Thursday

Ange Postecoglou needs to get his Tottenham Hotspur team selection spot on if they are to come from behind to beat AZ in the Europa League.

Spurs welcome the Alkmaar side to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday night needing to overcome a one-goal deficit from the first leg of the round of 16 clash in the Netherlands. Postecoglou's side were woeful in the first game and were extremely fortunate to return home with just the single goal conceded.

There is a new injury absence for Tottenham in the shape of Kevin Danso, after football.london reported on Tuesday that the centre-back had suffered a hamstring injury in the draw with Bournemouth and was set for a spell on the sidelines. While confirming that injury on Wednesday, Postecoglou did say that Ben Davies was back in training and Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were available after coming through their returns on Sunday.

It could be the first time that Postecoglou will be able to get his four leaders - Son Heung-min, James Maddison, Romero and Guglielmo Vicario - on the pitch together since November and they have not started a match together since October.

Rodrigo Bentancur is unavailable for the second leg through suspension, while Dejan Kulusevski, long-term absentee Radu Dragusin and Richarlison are all out injured. The unregistered Timo Werner, Antonin Kinsky and Sergio Reguilon cannot play in this encounter.

Here's the Tottenham team that we reckon Postecoglou will go with to face the Dutch visitors on Thursday night.

Goalkeeper - Guglielmo Vicario

The Italian has been in good form in recent weeks and will need to continue that on a big night in N17.

Right-back - Pedro Porro

Postecoglou will want the Spaniard's quality on the ball in attacking areas because Spurs need to create chances.(Image: (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images))

Centre-back - Cristian Romero

The Argentine hopefully shook off the rust on Sunday and will be better for it.(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Centre-back - Micky van de Ven

The Dutchman got 35 minutes to his name on Sunday and Postecoglou must decide whether he gets an hour on Thursday night or starts at Fulham.(Image: (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images))

Left-back - Djed Spence

Destiny Udogie is fresh and brings left-footed balance but Postecoglou will be wary of leaving Spence out as he's in form or Porro for his quality on the ball.

Central midfield - Pape Matar Sarr

The Senegal international scored on Sunday and will be looking to build on that performance.

Central midfield - Lucas Bergvall

The first name on the team sheet in the midfield right now and the 19-year-old could play in the number six role with Bissouma so poor at the weekend.

Central midfield - James Maddison

Spurs need the vice-captain to be at his creative best against AZ and far better than he was in the first leg.

Right wing - Mathys Tel

Postecoglou's go-to man is Brennan Johnson but he might give Tel a chance to impress on the right and feeding off Solanke's hold-up play.

Centre forward - Dominic Solanke

The England international got the full 96 minutes in his legs on Sunday and that should serve him well for this clash.

Left wing - Son Heung-min

The captain needs to channel his vast experience to lead by example on Thursday night and fire Spurs back into the tie.(Image: © 2025 PA Media, All Rights Reserved)