3 hours ago 1

Tottenham Hotspur Starting XI vs Bodo/Glimt: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

Absence of Captain Shifts Spurs Shape for Crucial European Tie

It was always going to be about more than just selection. As Tottenham prepare to host Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt in the first leg of their Europa League semi-final, the spotlight again falls on structure, adaptation and responsibility — all in the absence of the club’s most influential figure.

Heung-min Son’s foot injury has ruled him out of this vital European encounter, forcing Ange Postecoglou into a reshuffle. In his place, Mathys Tel is expected to retain his place on the left after impressing in the quarter-final win over Eintracht Frankfurt — a performance that embodied the intensity Postecoglou demands from his forwards.

Creative Balance and Midfield Engine

The real dilemma lies in how to accommodate Dejan Kulusevski. The Swede could start centrally as a No. 10, potentially displacing James Maddison, or be deployed on the right in place of Brennan Johnson. Each option presents a trade-off — Kulusevski adds dynamism and pressing intensity, but is less of a direct goal threat than Johnson.

In midfield, there’s a growing cohesion between Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, who appear to be Postecoglou’s go-to pairing. Their rhythm and balance could dictate how much Spurs can control the tempo against a side known for quick transitions and physicality.

Defensive Resets and Full-Back Decisions

Postecoglou is also likely to revert to his strongest centre-back pairing after rotating against Liverpool — a match that ended in a bruising 5-1 defeat. Cristian Romero should start, while the full-back positions are less certain. Djed Spence has lost momentum, leaving Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie as the preferred duo for now.

Predicted Spurs XI and Match Info

Predicted Tottenham XI (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Tel

Injured: Dragusin, Son
Ineligible: Kinsky, Werner, Forster, Reguilon
Kick-off: 8pm BST, Thursday 1 May 2025
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Broadcast: TNT Sports

Read Entire Article