Yves Bissouma could be handed a start for Tottenham against AZ Alkmaar despite his previous struggles(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

How Ange Postecoglou's big Yves Bissouma decision could impact Tottenham duo

by · football.london

Tottenham's Europa League fixture against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening could well be viewed as the biggest game of Ange Postecoglou's tenure. Following a dismal 2024/25 campaign that has left the team languishing in 13th place in the Premier League table, the Europa League is Spurs' last hope of winning silverware this season.

The north London club will have to come from behind if they are to reach the quarter-finals of UEFA's second club competition as they trail 1-0 from the first leg. Spurs were extremely poor in the Netherlands last Thursday and they are a tad lucky to be coming into the deciding leg only one goal down as their opponents had opportunities to extend their lead on the night.

Postecoglou's team selection is going to be rather interesting as he has huge calls to make across the pitch. Decisions need to be made in defence and the front three, with midfield perhaps the biggest conundrum facing the Australian.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski are not available for the game against AZ and that certainly limits Postecoglou's options in the process. One option in terms of the No.6 role would be to unleash Archie Gray there as that is viewed as his long-term position after all.

However, it could possibly be Yves Bissouma who wins the race to start despite his struggles across the season. The midfield selection and the potential inclusion of Bissouma over Gray or Pape Matar Sarr is a big talking point on the latest episode of football.london's Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham podcast.

Our Spurs correspondents Alasdair Gold and Rob Guest discussed Gray vs Bergvall and all the other selection dilemmas facing Postecoglou ahead of Thursday evening's defining game. As well as that, Kevin Danso's injury, AZ Alkmaar's preparations and Aaron Lennon's time at Tottenham is also on the agenda.

You can listen to the latest episode of the podcast by heading right here or watch the show on YouTube by going right here.

Spurs' season-defining game and the big Archie Gray question - click here to listen to the latest episode of Gold & Guest Talk Tottenham.

Want breaking and top Tottenham stories sent straight to you? Join our Spurs WhatsApp community by clicking this link! If you're curious you can check out our privacy policy here.