Predicted Tottenham XI To Face Chelsea In The Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur are back in Premier League action this weekend as they travel to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea in what is expected to be a mouthwatering battle.
Both Tottenham and Chelsea are fighting tooth and nail to secure a place in the top-four with the Premier League title all but gone to Manchester City. Tottenham hold a five-point lead over Chelsea and a win here would work wonders. However, Spurs have a dismal record at Stamford Bridge, having not won since 1990.
The last time these two sides met, it ended in Chelsea’s favour as Antonio Conte’s men won 2-1 at Wembley back in August.
Team News
Harry Kane is sidelined due to a right ankle injury he suffered during Spurs’ 4-1 win at Bournemouth earlier this month.
Harry Winks was called up by coach Aidy Boothroyd for England’s U-21 games but was forced to withdraw because of an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Spurs were handed a big boost after Toby Alderweireld completed the entire 90 minutes for Belgium in the 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The likes of Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier are on the verge of getting a one-match suspension, having accumulated four yellow cards each.
Probable Tottenham XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Hugo Lloris (GK)
The French international is the first choice for Pochettino in goal and is expected to be kept busy by the Chelsea attackers.
Kieran Trippier (RB)
Trippier offers more solidity in defence when compared to Aurier and must start against Chelsea.
Davinson Sanchez (CB)
Despite Alderweireld attaining full fitness, it would be wise to ease him back into the scheme of things. The Colombian has vastly impressed with his no-nonsense defending and deserves to start here.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
The Belgian is a rock at the back for the North London outfit. Vertonghen would have to be on top as we look to keep the Premier League’s defending champions quiet.
Ben Davies (LB)
Ben Davies has to be extremely careful while defending against the likes of Willian/Pedro. The Welshman has done well this season but the game against Chelsea would certainly demand more from him.
Eric Dier (CM)
Eric Dier endured a poor night in England’s 1-1 friendly draw against Italy on Tuesday but the versatile player’s focus will now return to club matters as Pochettino’s side travel to the Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Mousa Dembele (CM)
Dembele is one of those rare midfielders blessed with a combination of running power, dribbling and passing. He can dominate games from the midfield, which makes him such a key component in Pochettino’s side.
Christian Eriksen (LW)
Eriksen’s trickery and magical passes will be required at the Bridge if Spurs are to return home all smiles. The Dane has picked up form just at the right moment and let’s hope he makes his presence felt against Conte’s men.
Dele Alli (CAM)
Alli has not been at his astonishing best this season. The skilful midfielder would be hoping to deliver the goods on Sunday, thereby trying to get a berth in England’s squad for the World Cup.
Erik Lamela (RW)
The 26-year-old is up and running after missing more than a year of football with a hip injury. Expecting the nippy Argentinean to start on the right-hand side against Chelsea.
Son Heung-min (ST)
With Kane out injured, Son should take up the central role against the Blues. The South Korean has been in stunning form for Spurs this season, netting 18 goals in all competitions, including 7 in his last 5 games.
