Tottenham vs Elfsborg: Lineups, Predicted Starting 11, Injury Crisis Deepens for Spurs

Spurs' desperate is to win that would seal a round-of-16 berth. For Tottenham Hotspur, despite everything, a top-eight finish is still within sight, though they do not expect the path to be easy. Today, the final Europa League group match for the Spurs as they host the Swedish side Elfsborg.

An injury crisis has truly ripped through Tottenham and given boss Ange Postecoglou a very, very threadbare squad, making their season a bit tortuous. The latest setbacks-which included losing influential playmaker James Maddison-means Spurs have just eight outfield players 18 and above for selection. Key figures such as Heung-Min Son and Dejan Kulusevski have suffered under the strain of fitness within the squad, with dipping performances from a lack of rotation and rest.

Things look grimmer at the back. Tottenham's defensive line has been decimated by injuries, and several key defenders are still recovering. Things, however, remain hopeful for Spurs, as qualification for the next round is very much in their hands if they can secure three points against Elfsborg.

Meanwhile, Elfsborg are on the verge of elimination from the group stage, placed at 20th position. The Swedish club needs a positive result to stay ahead of the cutoff line that divides the 24th position from the rest; hence, it is a do-or-die match for the Swedish club.

Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming clash, including the latest team news and injury updates for both teams.

Tottenham vs. Elfsborg: Team News and Injury Updates

The injury list for Tottenham is a bit staggering. Starting goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario from Tottenham has suffered an ankle injury that will keep him out until early March. Others like Brennan Johnson, Destiny Udogie, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, and Wilson Odobert join him in injury time-all key players for Tottenham. The above-mentioned players are all out for several weeks with injury woes.

In something of a boost to the visitors, Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven have both returned to training, but this match is likely to come too soon for the pair who have seen their fair share of injury setbacks this season.

This is much worse for Spurs, as the midfielder has been quite key in playmaking for the club. His injury is just one among many fitness concerns that have had Postecoglou on the receiving end, fighting to have a proper starting lineup in the game.

Predicted Tottenham Team (4-3-3 Formation)

This is the expected lineup Postecoglou will hand in for their encounter with Elfsborg in Europa League.

Starting XI (4-3-3):
Austin
Porro, Dragusin, Davies, Gray
Bergvall, Bentancur, Sarr
Kulusevski, Richarlison, Son

Injuries:

Vicario - ankle
Johnson - thigh
Udogie - hamstring
Solanke - knee
Maddison - calf
Van de Ven - hamstring, doubtful
Romero - muscle, doubtful
Odobert - thigh
Richarlison - groin, doubtful
Sarr - doubtful
Werner - hamstring

Elfsborg's problems and expected lineup

Elfsborg are literally fighting for their lives in the group stages and have to pull a good performance in order to keep their hopes alive. However, their injury situation is relatively less compared to Tottenham's, and they will be looking to pounce on Spurs' weakened lineup.

Although some specifics about the Elfsborg team have yet to be confirmed, expect them to be industrious and committed to trying to stay out of the clutches of this injury-ravaged Spurs outfit.

Key Factors for the Match

• The Depleted Tottenham Squad: The absence of several important players will test the tactical flexibility of Postecoglou. Key players like Son and Kulusevski, whose form has been hit by fatigue, will need to step up if Spurs are to secure qualification.
• Elfsborg's Survival Fight: Elfsborg cannot afford to drop points in this crucial match. With their Europa League future on the line, the Swedish club will likely come out with an attacking strategy to try and get a positive result.

Conclusion:

Spurs-Elfsborg looks an interesting match, where Tottenham tries hard to hang in as injury continues to be their bugbear, in their ambitions to go through to the knockout stage. The North London club will need to dig deep in order to get a win that can keep their European aspirations alive since they are missing some of their key players, particularly Maddison, which has made this season very tough. On the other hand, Elfsborg will be giving it their all in order to avoid an early exit and therefore making this match do-or-die for them. Watch this space for more updates as the teams get ready for what is billed to be an intense Europa League encounter.