Tottenham predicted lineup vs AZ Alkmaar - Europa League | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur have floundered domestically this season but still have a shot at redemption in the Europa League.

Desperate to end their agonising trophy drought during Ange Postecoglou's second year at the helm, Spurs know that the continent's second most prestigious competition is their last resort.

Triumphing in the Europa League will be immensely challenging and they must navigate Dutch opposition to reach the quarter-finals. The first leg of their last 16 tie with AZ Alkmaar will be staged in the Netherlands on Thursday.

Having been typically inconsistent in recent months, Spurs can afford no complacency when visiting Alkmaar, and it's crucial that Postecoglou selects his best XI at the AFAS Stadion.

Here is how Tottenham could line up.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs AZ (4-2-3-1)

Son Heung-min will be Spurs' driving force in the final third / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

GK: Guglielmo Vicario - The Italian's timely return in mid-February has proved a blessing for Spurs, especially ahead of their Europa League run. Both Antonin Kinsky and Fraser Forster were omitted from the European squad.

RB: Pedro Porro - There can be no questioning Porro's ability to hurt AZ's defence with his lung-busting runs and exquisite distribution, but the Dutch side may target the space he vacates.

CB: Archie Gray - Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero are closing in on comebacks after returning to full team training but Thursday is likely to come too soon for them. Gray will fill in at centre-back, as he has done for much of the campaign.

CB: Kevin Danso - The January recruit will be instrumental in stifling former Tottenham centre-forward Troy Parrott, who has impressed in Alkmaar with 17 goals in 38 matches.

LB: Destiny Udogie - Djed Spence has been in excellent form since the turn of the year but Destiny Udogie and Porro remain the first-choice full-backs. The Italian has started the last two games having recently returned from injury.

DM: Rodrigo Bentancur - Bentancur will be competing with Pape Matar Sarr for a starting berth in the double pivot but the Uruguayan has been preferred as an anchor in recent weeks.

DM: Yves Bissouma - 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall has also been a regular contributor over recent months but Postecoglou may opt for the tough-tackling approach of Bissouma for such an important encounter.

RM: Brennan Johnson - Johnson has often proven a streaky player in Tottenham colours and finding consistency has been his largest hurdle thus far. Postecoglou will hope he can rely on the Welshman in Alkmaar.

AM: James Maddison - With the influential Dejan Kulusevski sidelined with a foot injury, the creative burden falls on Maddison's shoulders. He's managed a goal and assist since returning from injury as he aims to silence Roy Keane.

LM: Son Heung-min - There is no doubt that Son's influence is waning as his legs age, with no goals in his last eight matches in all competitions. Still, he can be the difference-maker when at his electrifying best.

ST: Mathys Tel - Having opened his Tottenham account in the FA Cup, goals have not since been forthcoming for the winter addition. He's not the most natural number nine and finds his position in the team under threat by the returning Dominic Solanke.