Tottenham hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea. The Lilywhites have been hampered by injuries since that game as Harry Kane and Dele Alli are guaranteed to miss the second leg against the Blues.
Moussa Sissoko and Lucas Moura are further doubts for the clash while Son Heung-min is away on international duty.
Mauricio Pochettino tweaked his formation in the win over Fulham, and the Argentine has to make a big decision on who leads the line.
Fernando Llorente didn’t cover himself in glory as he scored an own goal. Kazaiah Sterling could play a few minutes, but this game could be too big for him to start.
Spurs have a great chance of picking up silverware this season, and here is the predicted line-up for the Lilywhites.
Predicted Tottenham XI
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Manager: Mauricio Pochettino
Paulo Gazzaniga (GK)
Hugo Lloris did a great job in the previous game but Gazzaniga has played all our Carabao Cup games, and the Argentine should start on Thursday.
Davinson Sanchez (CB)
The Colombian struggled to deal with Ryan Babel’s pace in the previous game, however, he should keep his place in the team in a back three.
Jan Vertonghen (CB)
Vertonghen is one of the keys to us winning the game as Spurs need to ensure that Chelsea don’t score.
Toby Alderweireld (CB)
The other key in defence. Alderweireld has been our most consistent player, and the Belgian needs to keep the Blues from scoring.
Kieran Trippier (RWB)
Trippier has struggled in recent weeks and his mistakes have cost us a few points. However, the Englishman should keep his place in the team ahead of Kyle Walker-Peters.
Eric Dier (CM)
It was fantastic seeing Dier play some minutes against Fulham on Sunday. Tottenham are a little light on midfielders and the Englishman should start against Chelsea.
Harry Winks (CM)
Winks was the hero for Tottenham against Fulham, and the Englishman’s industry will be important in Spurs controlling the game.
Ben Davies (LWB)
The Welshman doesn’t give as much in attack as Rose, but we should see him start ahead of the Englishman.
Christian Eriksen (RAM)
Eriksen will be tasked with creating chances for Tottenham. His link-up play with the striker could be crucial in us winning the tie.
Erik Lamela (LAM)
Lamela has had some great games for Spurs this season, and the team needs him to perform against Chelsea now.
Read more: Struggling Tottenham attacker emerges as £15million target for Burnley
Fernando Llorente (ST)
The Spaniard struggled against the Cottagers but he could keep his place in the side as Moura inches towards full fitness.
