Ange Postecoglou has backed a patched-up team to tackle one of the continent’s most feared cauldrons when Spurs take on Galatasaray in the biggest test of their Europa League season so far.

Tottenham have made it three wins from three in the new eight-match format and would almost certainly guarantee the safety net of a play-off spot with another win in Istanbul. But they will be sorely depleted against the Turkish league leaders, who have dropped just two points from 10 home games, and the occasion will be a test for the less experienced members of Postecoglou’s brood. While modern Rams Park doesn’t 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 firm in the face of such intensely partisan support. “That’s why you play football. Many of them this generation have experienced what football was like without fans (during the Covid lockdowns) and certainly don’t like it. It is a fantastic stadium, the supporters create an incredible atmosphere here and love the big European nights.

“(Galatasaray) is a very, very good team, exactly the kind of game you want to be involved in. Whether you are young or old, regardless of the role you have, you look forward to it.”

17-year-old winger Mikey Moore was scheduled for his third straight European start but, due to the manager’s attempts 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 win over Aston Villa.

Postecoglou said the Brazilian would “probably be out for a while” and revealed Timo Werner had a groin problem that ruled out 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 spoke about Galatasaray’s attacking threat, which was no surprise as their manager, Okan Buruk, can name an attacking force consisting of Victor Osimhen and Mauro Icardi. In defense he can call on former Spurs central defender Davinson Sánchez. A 4-3 win over Elfsborg in their most recent Europa League match here spoke to the excitement ahead. “They definitely have a lot of threat in the front third,” the Australian said. “Their attacking players are very good individually. They are a physically strong team, so we will have to match the attacking threats they have with the way we play.”

Moore’s illness could mean Brennan Johnson, who might have expected a rest, continues on the right flank with Son Heung-min on the other side. Young striker Will Lankshear can start if Postecoglou chooses to keep Dominic Solanke fresh. Two goals against Villa underlined Solanke’s importance as he hopes to build on last month’s return to England’s contention as Thomas Tuchel takes over the national team. “I would love to be there again,” Solanke said. “I worked hard to get back there, so it’s definitely a goal of mine to stay there.”