Tottenham Hotspur return to Europa League action as they prepare to host AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.
The Lilywhites have made a perfect start to their continental campaign so far, beating both Qarabag and Ferencvaros by a 5-1 combined scoreline.
It’s easy to see why Ange Postecoglou’s men have been named among the favourites for this season’s competition, with even former boss Jose Mourinho touting them alongside Manchester United as the teams to beat.
Up next is an AZ Alkmaar side that may prove to be the toughest test they’ve faced yet.
The Dutch side currently sit fifth in the Eredivisie behind PSV, Utrecht, Ajax and Feyenoord, while they have three points from two Europa League matches.
That said, AZ are enduring a four-match losing streak at present and may be a little low on confidence.
Tottenham Hotspur vs AZ Alkmaar starting XIs: Richarlison returns
Fraser Forster comes into the side between the sticks, which may come as a surprise after Guglielmo Vicario started Tottenham’s first two Europa League matches of the season.
Meanwhile, the likes of Archie Gray, Radu Dragusin and Lucas Bergvall continue their starting roles in the Europa League.
The most eye-catching inclusion in the Spurs starting XI is Richarlison, with the Brazilian starting a match for the first time since early May due to injury.
Richarlison starts through the middle, flanked on either side by exciting teenager Mikey Moore and German forward Timo Werner.
Postecoglou has a strong bench to call upon, including Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Pedro Porro, Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke — as well as Wilson Odobert, who is also on his way back from injury.
As for AZ, the obvious standout inclusion is former Spurs striker Troy Parrott, who has scored six goals in 11 matches for the Dutch side since his summer transfer.
Former Southampton midfielder Jordy Clasie also starts in the engine room, while Ruben van Bommel — son of Netherlands and PSV legend Mark van Bommel — lines up on the left wing.
Thursday’s match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium kicks off at 8pm (UK time) and is being broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1.