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Ange Postecoglou Faces Selection Puzzle Ahead of UEFA Europa League Final Against Manchester United

The UEFA Europa League final in Bilbao is more than just a clash between two English giants. It is a tactical examination for Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who must navigate a midfield crisis while plotting the downfall of a resurgent Manchester United.

Wednesday night’s showdown at the San Mamés Stadium sees Tottenham Hotspur return to European silverware contention. Yet, they do so under a cloud of injuries to key creative players, posing questions about Postecoglou’s selection and tactical intent.

Midfield Creativity Crisis Looms Large

The absence of James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Lucas Bergvall leaves Spurs without their three primary creative outlets. All three are sidelined due to injury, and their unavailability creates a glaring gap at the heart of Tottenham’s attacking setup.

Postecoglou’s usual 4-3-3 system relies heavily on a No10 capable of linking play, unlocking defences and maintaining tempo. With no natural replacement available, the Australian may be forced to experiment again, as he did during the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa where he rolled out a 4-4-2 formation.

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Pape Matar Sarr is available again after back discomfort, and could be deployed in midfield alongside Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma. The trio offers stability and athleticism, though not the kind of incisive final-third play Maddison or Kulusevski would normally bring.

Tactical Tweaks to Offset Missing Spark

Wilson Odobert, typically a winger, has featured centrally in the last two league games. His versatility makes him a candidate to slot into the creative role, although it remains to be seen whether Postecoglou trusts him with such a responsibility on a European final stage.

Another possible tactical curveball could see Dominic Solanke paired with Richarlison in a two-man forward line, supported by wide men Brennan Johnson and a fit-again Heung-min Son. Solanke’s ability to drop deep and link play might help compensate for the absence of a traditional playmaker.

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Postecoglou gave little away in his pre-match comments but was clear on Son’s availability, saying the captain being fit was “massive”. Son, speaking on Tuesday, confirmed he was “ready” to start, which all but guarantees his place on the left flank barring any late fitness concerns.

Defence Picks Itself as Stability Becomes Key

Despite the attacking reshuffle, the backline is expected to remain unchanged. Guglielmo Vicario will take his place between the sticks, shielded by a settled defensive unit of Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Destiny Udogie.

With Bentancur and Bissouma shielding the back four and offering passing options in transition, the spine of this Tottenham Hotspur side retains its structure. Whether the flanks and forward line can find enough cohesion and creativity to breach Manchester United’s defence is another matter entirely.

Manchester United Bring Experience and Firepower

Manchester United arrive in Bilbao with confidence after a turbulent domestic season that still managed to end on a high. Erik ten Hag’s side may not have hit consistent form, but they remain dangerous, especially in one-off cup finals where individual brilliance can be decisive.

Spurs, by contrast, have been defined by their intensity and aggressive pressing under Postecoglou. But without their usual creators, the onus falls on others to adapt. The match may come down to whether the new attacking combinations can click swiftly and unsettle United’s back line.

The balance Postecoglou seeks lies not in replicating what’s been lost, but in reshaping his tactical structure to elevate what’s available. It’s a nuanced challenge, and one that could define his early tenure at Tottenham.

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-4-2): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Johnson, Bentancur, Bissouma, Son; Solanke, RicharlisonInjured: Kulusevski, Maddison, BergvallKick-off: 8pm BST, Wednesday 21 May 2025Venue: San Mamés Stadium, BilbaoBroadcast: TNT Sports, Discovery+