Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man Utd - Premier League
- Ange Postecoglou could hand Spurs debuts to January signings Radu Dragusin and Timo Werner
- Son Heung-min, Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma all absent due to Asian Cup and AFCON
- Long-awaited return in defence for Micky van de Ven
By Euan Burns
Tottenham travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United this Sunday and should be bolstered by a returning star and two new signings.
Ange Postecoglou's side has been plagued by injuries to key players this season, one of which is Micky van de Ven. The great news for Tottenham fans is the Dutchman is expected to start and should be partnered by new signing Radu Dragusin.
As well as the Romanian, injuries and international absences mean Timo Werner should also make an immediate debut. Son Heung-min is at the Asian Cup, while the midfield is looking light with Pape Sarr and Yves Bissouma both at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Here is the starting XI Postecoglou may choose when Tottenham take on Man Utd.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Man Utd (4-2-3-1)
GK: Guglielmo Vicario - One of five former Serie A players expected to start for Tottenham on Sunday, Vicario is sure to put in another big performance.
RB: Pedro Porro - One of the most consistent performers for Spurs this season, Porro will be up against Marcus Rashford who is devoid of confidence right now.
CB: Radu Dragusin - One of the new boys, Tottenham worked hard to get this deal over the line with Genoa and even with Cristian Romero potentially back and fit, Dragusin is expected to make an immediate debut.
CB: Micky van de Ven - Spurs have seriously missed Van de Ven and even though he stayed on the bench against Burnley, he is expected to start in this game.
LB: Destiny Udogie - Another consistent performer, Udogie will drift infield when Spurs are in possession but will have to be mindful of the threat posed by United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
CM: Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg - This isn't a selection that will excite many Tottenham fans but with Bissouma and Sarr absent, either Hojbjerg or Oliver Skipp will feature in midfield.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur - Bentancur also hasn't been a regular starter for Spurs this season, having struggled with a few knocks. However, he captained the team in the FA Cup win against Burnley and may do so again at Old Trafford.
RW: Brennan Johnson - Another player enjoying a long run of games in the team, Johnson will want to start adding some more goals to his game at Tottenham.
AM: Dejan Kulusevski - With James Maddison still out of the fray and Son also gone, Kulusevski will take the central attacking midfield role again.
LW: Timo Werner - Fresh from signing on loan from RB Leipzig, Werner is likely to make his Spurs debut straight away on the left. Expect him to drift around the forward line and switch positions with Kulusevski.
ST: Richarlison - Extra goalscoring responsibility now lies with Richarlison with Son temporarily out of the picture. Had scored five goals in five games before drawing a blank against Burnley in the FA Cup.
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