Ange Postecoglou has backed a patched-up squad to handle one of the continent’s most feared cauldrons when Spurs face Galatasaray in the biggest test of their Europa League campaign to date.
Tottenham have three wins from three in the new eight-game format and would almost certainly guarantee at least the safety net of a playoff spot with another victory in Istanbul. But they will be heavily depleted against the Turkish league leaders, who have dropped only two points from 10 domestic games, and the occasion will be a test for the less-experienced members of Postecoglou’s brood. Even if the modern Rams Park does not quite offer the “Welcome to hell” of the old Ali Sami Yen stadium, there are few more intimidating venues.
“I’m sure they’re all looking forward to it,” Postecoglou said of the opportunity to stand tall in front of such intensely partisan support. “That’s why you play football. This generation, a lot of them experienced what football was like without supporters [during the Covid lockdowns] and certainly don’t like that. It’s a fantastic stadium, the supporters create an unbelievable atmosphere here and they love the big European nights.
“[Galatasaray] are a very, very good team, exactly the kind of game you want to be involved in. Whether you’re young or old, irrespective of the role you have you look forward to it.”
The 17-year-old winger Mikey Moore had been pencilled in for his third straight European start but, in a blow to the manager’s efforts to rotate, has a virus and has not travelled. Richarlison, who only returned to action last month, is another casualty after damaging a hamstring in Sunday’s buccaneering win over Aston Villa.
Postecoglou said the Brazilian would “probably be out for a while” and revealed Timo Werner had been carrying a groin problem that precludes his involvement. Another absentee, Cristian Romero, may be fit to return against Ipswich on Sunday while Micky van de Ven, Wilson Odobert and Djed Spence remain sidelined.
Postecoglou talked up Galatasaray’s attacking threat, which was little surprise given their manager, Okan Buruk, can name a strikeforce of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi. In defence he can call on the former Spurs centre-back Davinson Sánchez. A 4-3 win over Elfsborg in their most recent Europa League fixture here spoke of the thrills that may await. “They definitely have a lot of threat in the front third,” the Australian said. “Their attacking players are very, very good individually. They’re a strong team physically so we’re going to have to match the attacking threats they have with the way we play.”
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Moore’s illness may mean Brennan Johnson, who might have expected a rest, continues on the right flank with Son Heung-min opposite. The young striker Will Lankshear may start if Postecoglou opts to keep Dominic Solanke fresh. Two goals against Villa highlighted Solanke’s importance and he hopes to build on last month’s return to the England fray when Thomas Tuchel takes over the national side. “I’d love to be there again,” Solanke said. “I worked hard to get back there so it’s definitely an aim of mine to stay there.”
