- Tottenham host Dutch side AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night in the Europa League
- Lilywhites secured significant 4-1 victory over West Ham United at the weekend
- Ange Postecoglou likely to rotate his starting XI midweek
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to secure a third successive Europa League victory on Thursday when they host Eredivisie outfit AZ Alkmaar.
Bar a disastrous second-half display at Brighton & Hove Albion before the October international break, Spurs find themselves in strong form ahead of AZ's visit. They have won six of their last seven matches in all competitions, including Europa League triumphs over Qarabag and Ferencvaros to kickstart their continental campaign.
However, as has already been demonstrated this season, Ange Postecoglou is likely to use Thursday night as an opportunity to rest some of his regulars. The Australian only has a few injury concerns to overcome but will be eager to offer a well-earned rest to his more prominent first-teamers.
Here is how Spurs could line up against AZ.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs AZ Alkmaar (4-3-3)
GK: Guglielmo Vicario - The Italian could be one of just two Spurs players to retain their starting spot from the weekend victory over the Hammers, although Fraser Forster is available if Postecoglou wants to name an entirely new XI.
RB: Archie Gray - Pedro Porro has started almost every single game for the Lilywhites and is due a rest. With Djed Spence sidelined through injury, summer recruit Gray could be utilised at right-back. The midfielder-cum-defender operated in the role during his time with Leeds United last season.
CB: Radu Dragusin - Dragusin's Europa League adventure lasted just seven minutes before he was sent off in the opener with Qarabag and subsequently missed the trip to Ferencvaros. Postecoglou will be eager for him to feature for the full 90 here.
CB: Ben Davies - The Welshman has been a left-back for much of his career but has been moved centrally in recent years. He's hardly the most glamorous name on any team sheet but he is a reliable customer, and will be tasked with keeping former Spurs forward Troy Parrott quiet.
LB: Destiny Udogie - With options limited at left-back, Udogie may be retained on Thursday. He has provided assists in back-to-back games for club and country and Postecoglou will be hopeful of being able to rest him after the hour mark.
CM: Pape Matar Sarr - The midfielder has thrived in the Europa League thus far after scoring against Qarabag and Ferencvaros. It's the perfect competition to provide him with competitive minutes to aid his development.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur - Bentancur could well be the deepest member of a midfield trio on Thursday, dictating play with his passing ability and tempo-setting. Yves Bissouma's probable absence will offer AZ's attacking players encouragement, though.
CM: Lucas Bergvall - The young Swede supplied his first assist in Spurs colours against Ferencvaros but has been largely limited to cameos from the bench this season. Thursday offers him some much-needed exposure to first-team football.
RW: Mikey Moore - Expectations are sky-high for Moore, especially after an impressive pre-season campaign. The 17-year-old played the entirety of the victory over Ferencvaros and has evidently caught Postecoglou's eye.
ST: Richarlison - An injury-hit start to the campaign means that Thursday may offer Richarlison his first start of the season for club or country. Spurs could really do with the Brazilian finding some consistency so they don't have to overwork Dominic Solanke.
LW: Timo Werner - The indefatigable winger did an admirable job in place of Heung-min Son but the return of the South Korean comfortably relegates Werner to the cup competitions. His speed and energy will trouble AZ, even if he is without a goal since March.
