Tottenham Hotspur is approaching the final game of 2024 in a rather precarious position. After a disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, Spurs find themselves entrenched in mid-table obscurity, far from the top-four aspirations they had set for themselves at the beginning of the season. Despite a summer of optimism under manager Ange Postecoglou, the North London club is yet to find the consistency required to challenge for European spots, and their performances have been erratic at best.
As they prepare to host Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Spurs are facing a crucial match. The outcome of this fixture could be pivotal not only for the team’s immediate future but also for the growing unrest among the fanbase. While there remains a portion of supporters who believe Postecoglou is the right man to lead Spurs through their current slump, the pressure is building. The Australian coach has guided the team to their worst start to a Premier League season since 2008/09, and the squad remains decimated by injuries and suspensions.
In what could be an explosive contest, Spurs will be desperate to finish 2024 on a high. With an increasingly divided fanbase and mounting frustrations on and off the pitch, this game holds more significance than simply a chance to secure three points. The lineup for the game is likely to feature some unexpected changes due to the ongoing injury crisis, but Postecoglou’s tactical flexibility will be put to the test as he seeks to end the year on a positive note.
Tottenham Predicted Lineup vs Wolves (4-2-3-1)
Tottenham’s squad issues have been well-documented this season, with the team often facing a depleted roster due to a combination of injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent performances. For this critical fixture, Postecoglou will be forced to make some difficult decisions, especially in defensive areas, where the club has been particularly vulnerable.
Here’s how Tottenham could line up against Wolves in their final outing of 2024.
Goalkeeper: Fraser Forster
Fraser Forster will likely continue between the sticks for Tottenham against Wolves. Since the injury to first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, Forster has been the man tasked with keeping Spurs’ goal intact. While the veteran goalkeeper has occasionally been criticized for his shaky footwork, he has been solid overall. Forster’s performances have not been the focal point of Tottenham’s struggles this season, and despite some unsteady moments, he has done enough to justify keeping his place in goal for this match. Given the current state of the squad, Forster’s experience will be essential as he looks to provide stability at the back.
Right-Back: Pedro Porro
Pedro Porro has endured a challenging season so far, with his form suffering from the heavy demands placed on him in Spurs’ attacking system. As one of the key players in Postecoglou’s 4-2-3-1 formation, Porro’s role is crucial both defensively and going forward. However, with Djed Spence suspended after his red card on Boxing Day, Porro will likely return to the starting XI on Sunday. The Spaniard has shown glimpses of his attacking quality, but his defensive responsibilities have at times been exposed. With Spurs lacking depth in key positions, Porro will need to step up and offer a more balanced performance against Wolves, who are unlikely to give Spurs much room to exploit in wide areas.
Center-Backs: Archie Gray and Yves Bissouma
Tottenham’s defensive crisis has reached new heights, with multiple injuries and suspensions wreaking havoc on Postecoglou’s options at the back. The most significant concern ahead of the Wolves match is the fitness of Radu Dragusin, who is a doubt after picking up an ankle injury on Boxing Day. Additionally, Ben Davies has already been ruled out for this game, further depleting Spurs’ defensive ranks.
In response to this situation, Postecoglou may have no choice but to play Yves Bissouma as an emergency center-back alongside 18-year-old Archie Gray. Gray, who has been thrust into the first team under difficult circumstances, has not been a standout performer but has nonetheless acquitted himself reasonably well given his limited experience. The teenager’s composure has been a bright spot, but this match against Wolves will represent another steep challenge for him.
Bissouma, typically a midfield enforcer, is being asked to fill a central defensive role due to the lack of other options. While he is a competent defender, his primary strength lies in midfield, and his defensive abilities will be stretched against a team like Wolves. However, the Mali international has shown tactical discipline at times, and his presence could provide some much-needed steel at the back, especially in aerial duels and 1v1 situations.
Left-Back: Destiny Udogie
Destiny Udogie’s season has been stop-start, with the young Italian left-back struggling for consistency. The demands of the Premier League have clearly been a challenge for him, but there is potential in the 21-year-old’s game. Udogie has shown flashes of brilliance, especially going forward, but he has been prone to defensive lapses that have cost Spurs in crucial moments. With Ben Davies out and Spurs short on options, Udogie is likely to retain his place in the starting lineup. The full-back will need to find some rhythm in this game, providing width in attack while ensuring that he doesn’t leave space behind him for Wolves to exploit on the counter-attack.
Central Midfielders: Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, and James Maddison
Rodrigo Bentancur’s return to fitness has been a major boost for Spurs, though he has struggled to find his best form since his six-week injury layoff. Despite this, Bentancur’s quality is undeniable, and Postecoglou will be hoping that the Uruguayan can provide the drive and composure Spurs have been lacking in midfield. Bentancur’s passing range and ability to control the tempo of the game will be critical in this fixture, especially against a Wolves side that can be difficult to break down.
Alongside Bentancur, Pape Sarr has continued to impress in his second season at Spurs. The Senegalese midfielder has played a vital role in the center of the park, contributing both defensively and offensively. Sarr’s energy and work rate have been a positive for Spurs, and he will be crucial in maintaining control of the midfield against a Wolves team that can look to disrupt the flow of the game.
James Maddison, who has been one of Spurs’ standout performers this season, is expected to return to the starting XI after being unable to make a significant impact off the bench in the defeat to Nottingham Forest. Maddison’s creativity and ability to pick out key passes will be pivotal for Spurs as they look to break down a Wolves defense that has been solid in recent weeks. His ability to link play and provide a cutting edge will be crucial if Tottenham are to secure a victory in this match.
Right Wing: Dejan Kulusevski
Dejan Kulusevski has had an up-and-down season, but the Swedish winger remains one of Tottenham’s most dangerous attacking threats. He has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in his link-up play with the likes of Maddison and Son, but his performances have often been inconsistent. Kulusevski’s versatility means he can be deployed both centrally and out wide, and Postecoglou will be hoping to get the best out of him against Wolves. With Spurs needing to create chances and stretch the opposition, Kulusevski’s ability to beat defenders and deliver quality crosses will be essential.
Striker: Dominic Solanke
Dominic Solanke has been one of Tottenham’s brighter signings this season, and he has enjoyed a solid start to life at Spurs. While Solanke is not a direct replacement for Harry Kane, his movement and work ethic have added a new dimension to Tottenham’s attack. The English forward has shown he is capable of scoring goals and contributing to the build-up play, and there is no reason to expect him to drop out of the starting lineup for this match. Given Tottenham’s lack of other viable options up front, Solanke will likely lead the line once again and will be tasked with finishing the chances created by his teammates.
Left Wing: Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min has been one of the few consistent performers for Tottenham this season, but even he has shown signs of struggle with the heavy demands of the Premier League. At 32 years old, Son’s physical attributes are beginning to fade, and the busy schedule has started to take its toll on the club captain. However, due to Spurs’ lack of depth in attack, it seems unlikely that Son will be rested for this game. As Tottenham’s talisman, Son will be expected to lead by example, providing the goals and leadership his team needs to finish the year on a positive note. Despite his fatigue, he remains Tottenham’s most reliable attacking threat.
Tottenham Hotspur’s final match of 2024 against Wolverhampton Wanderers is a crucial one. With the team languishing in mid-table and an increasingly frustrated fanbase, Spurs will be desperate to secure all three points. Ange Postecoglou’s lineup will be heavily influenced by the numerous injuries and suspensions plaguing the squad, forcing him to field a makeshift team in several key positions. Nevertheless, with players like Maddison, Son, and Kulusevski, Spurs will have the attacking firepower to challenge Wolves. A victory is vital not only for morale but also for keeping the club’s European aspirations alive heading into 2025. The pressure is on, and Tottenham must deliver.
