The Football Faithful
·24 October 2024
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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·24 October 2024
Tottenham Hotspur host AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Thursday night, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the league phase.
Spurs have taken maximum points from clashes with Qarabag and Ferencvárosi but next face a step up against the Eredivisie outfit.
The North Londoners thrashed West Ham 4-1 at the weekend in a boost to Ange Postecoglou, who was left dismayed at defeat at Brighton before the international break.
Spurs blew a two-goal lead to lose at the Amex Stadium, though recovered last time out to extend their record to six wins in seven games across all competitions.
Troy Parrott will make his first return to Spurs since leaving the club in the summer. The Republic of Ireland international joined AZ in a £6.7m deal in July.
He has scored five goals in 10 appearances across all competitions – four of which came in one game against Heerenveen last month. Parrott will be determined to make an impression against the side where he progressed through the ranks.
AZ arrive in poor form, however, having lost their last four games in all competitions.
After being sent off on matchday one, Radu Dragusin is free to return from suspension and the Romanian will make a rare start as Postecoglou hands a rest to first-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven.
Ben Davies could slot in alongside Dragusin, with Archie Gray in at right-back. Further forward, Spurs could look to hand minutes to exciting teenager talents Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore, who have each impressed in cameos this season.
Richarlison could also make his first start of the season for Spurs at centre-forward after recently returning from injury. The Brazil international has featured for just 34 minutes in the Premier League in 2024/25.
Tottenham predicted XI: Guglielmo Vicario; Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Destiny Udogie; Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Bergvall; Mikey Moore, Richarlison, Timo Werner.
Tottenham host AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Thursday 24th October 2024. Kick-off is 20:00 BST.
For UK viewers,The game will be shown live on TNT Sports 1 from 19:45 BST.