Tottenham's Igor Tudor Faces Arsenal With Many Injured Players on Sunday

Tottenham has many players injured, with 9 players out for the Arsenal match. This is a big challenge for new manager Igor Tudor.
By Newsroom | Football, England |

Tottenham Hotspur is set to play Arsenal on Sunday, a match taking place shortly after the arrival of new interim manager Igor Tudor. The team faces significant challenges due to a substantial number of player absences, creating uncertainty about the lineup and tactical approach Tudor will employ. The new manager, who has a history with a preferred 3-4-2-1 formation, must navigate these constraints to make an immediate impact.

Tottenham's upcoming schedule includes several important league fixtures and a Champions League knockout tie, highlighting the immediate pressure on Tudor and the squad.

Managerial Transition and Tactical Preferences

Igor Tudor has recently taken the helm at Tottenham, agreeing to an initial contract until June. His managerial career includes a prior stint at Juventus, where he spent nine years as a player and later managed the team for seven months before his dismissal in October. Tudor's known tactical preference leans towards a 3-4-2-1 formation, a system he has utilized throughout much of his managerial career. This approach is described as offensive, yet with a focus on clear defensive organization. Some observers anticipate an attacking style of play, potentially marked by a high defensive line, which could lead to numerous goals but also a greater risk of conceding.

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Three ways Tottenham could line up against Arsenal under Igor Tudor - 1

  • Tudor's system is described as potentially "high risk" but also "exciting and attacking."

  • His past experiences include managing in various leagues, and he has a history of coming into teams during challenging periods.

Widespread Player Absences Create Selection Dilemmas

Tottenham is currently dealing with a significant number of player absences, impacting potential team selections for the Arsenal match and subsequent games. Key players are sidelined due to various injuries, including:

  • Knee injuries: James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Wilson Odobert.

  • Hamstring injuries: Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie.

  • Ankle injuries: Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall.

  • Ligament issues: Kevin Danso.

This extensive list of unavailable players presents a considerable challenge for Igor Tudor as he seeks to establish his preferred tactical setup and achieve positive results immediately. The team's ability to "disrupt, harry and potentially thrive in transition" will depend on having key athletes available for tactical roles, particularly in midfield.

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Potential Lineup Strategies Against Arsenal

With a depleted squad, Igor Tudor has several potential tactical approaches for the match against Arsenal. While the manager has a known preference for a 3-4-2-1 formation, the current circumstances may necessitate adjustments. One suggested lineup by football.london envisions a team that includes:

Three ways Tottenham could line up against Arsenal under Igor Tudor - 2

  • Goalkeeper: Vicario

  • Defenders: Souza, Van de Ven, Gray, Dragusin, Spence

  • Midfielders: Gallagher, Palhinha

  • Attackers: Simons, Kolo Muani

  • Forward: Solanke

This potential lineup indicates a possibility of reintroducing former Juventus player Randal Kolo Muani, with whom Tudor had a successful working relationship. The selection also highlights a focus on specific athletic players in key midfield positions.

Another consideration is whether Tudor will maintain a build-up strategy that accommodates Vicario or make changes that could potentially lead to his removal from the starting lineup. The adaptability of players like the "young Englishman" mentioned in one report, who performs "beyond his years," might be crucial for Tudor's plans.

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Expert and Former Player Perspectives

Analysts and former players have offered insights into how Igor Tudor's system might operate at Tottenham.

Three ways Tottenham could line up against Arsenal under Igor Tudor - 3

  • Andros Townsend believes Tudor's system could be a good fit for the current Tottenham squad, emphasizing the manager's stated intention for an offensive style with defensive organization. Townsend also notes Tudor's reputation for man-management skills and tactical flexibility.

  • Reports suggest Tudor is a personality who can "shake up the place and get everyone going," particularly important given the team's current situation.

  • There is an expectation of "exciting, attacking football," potentially involving a "high-risk high line" which could lead to a high number of goals but also defensive vulnerabilities.

The overarching sentiment is that Tudor is the right person to motivate the players and implement a distinct style of play, aiming to have players "running through brick walls" for the team.

Conclusion and Implications

The upcoming match against Arsenal marks a critical juncture for Tottenham Hotspur under interim manager Igor Tudor. The team faces a significant challenge due to a lengthy injury list, which will inevitably shape Tudor's tactical decisions and player selection. While Tudor's known preference for a 3-4-2-1 formation and an attacking, high-risk style of play has been discussed, the reality of player availability may require pragmatic adjustments.

The appointment of Tudor is seen by some as a move to inject energy and a clear tactical identity into the squad. His past experiences and perceived personality traits suggest he is capable of motivating players. However, the success of his "high risk" tactics against a strong opponent like Arsenal, especially with a weakened squad, remains to be seen. The team's performance in this initial fixture will be a key indicator of Tudor's immediate impact and his ability to navigate the complex situation at Tottenham.

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  • Key Unknown: The precise starting lineup and formation Tudor will deploy against Arsenal, given the extensive list of absentees.

  • Next Steps: Close observation of team selection, tactical execution, and player performance during the Arsenal match and subsequent fixtures will be crucial for evaluating Tudor's tenure.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is the new manager for Tottenham playing against Arsenal on Sunday?
The new interim manager for Tottenham is Igor Tudor. He has agreed to manage the team until June.
Q: Why is it hard for the new Tottenham manager to pick a team for the Arsenal game?
Tottenham has many players who are injured and cannot play. This includes players with knee, hamstring, and ankle problems.
Q: What is Igor Tudor's usual way of playing football?
Igor Tudor likes to use a 3-4-2-1 formation. This means he plays with three defenders, four midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and one forward. It is known to be an attacking style but needs good defense.
Q: Can you name some players who are injured for Tottenham?
Yes, key players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, and Richarlison are injured. Many others have hamstring or ankle injuries, making it hard to pick a full team.
Q: What does an expert think about Igor Tudor's tactics for Tottenham?
Expert Andros Townsend thinks Tudor's attacking style with good defense could work for Tottenham. He also believes Tudor can motivate the players well.