Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley: Preview, Team News, Predicted lineups and more
Almost three months since winning 5-0 at home, Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur will once again take on Burnley in a must-win encounter. The win made it three wins from four as the Portuguese led a mini-renaissance of sorts following a difficult few months under Mauricio Pochettino.
This was supposed to be the season where we built upon previous success, having reached the Champions League final. However, we now find ourselves fighting to qualify for the very competition.
The winter-break looks to have robbed us of all the momentum and form as we have now lost four on the bounce. Not only do we find ourselves facing an uphill task against Leipzig in the Champions League, but we have also fallen behind in the race for the top four. We are also out of the FA Cup now.
A victory over Burnely will take us to within two points of Chelsea, with the Blues only taking to the field the next day against Everton. Carlo Ancelotti’s side have impressed in recent weeks and could spring a surprise on Chelsea. All of it will be meaningless if we do not make the most of our results.
Sean Dyche’s side are fierce competitors and have the second-best defensive record in the league, only behind runaway leaders Liverpool. In Tottenham, they face a team missing their best attackers in what should prove to be an enthralling contest. In fact, Tottenham will be without three players who scored four goals in the reverse fixture.
Burnley are only two points behind us and have a real shot at European football if they win. The Clarets will not take it lightly and will be up for a battle.
A low scoring match could be on offer given our troubles in attack and Burnley’s inability to score many goals. The finest of margins could have a large impact once again and this time it could be a blow that Spurs may not recover from.
Despite the result, the Tottenham defence put up a good showing against Norwich. The likes of Eric Dier and Jan Vertonghen rolled back the years to showcase the sort of performance Spurs fans are accustomed to.
Tottenham need to go on a winning run to end the season strongly and put pressure on the teams around them. Every streak starts with a single win and there is no reason why it couldn’t start at Turf Moor.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur will be without long-term absentees Harry Kane, Son Heung-Min and Moussa Sissoko. Erik Lamela doesn’t look fit to start while Ryan Sessegnon is a doubt.
Mourinho may also not risk Hugo Lloris to ensure he is properly fit in time to face Leipzig. Michel Vorm is likely to drop to the bench in favour of Paulo Gazzaniga.
Ben Davies is likely to take the place of Jan Vertonghen while Mourinho could choose to rest Oliver Skipp for Gedson Fernandes.
The Portuguese midfielder looked impressive after coming on and can do a job in place of Skipp, who played all 120 minutes. It remains to be seen if Tanguy Ndombele starts or makes the bench alongside Erik Lamela.
Burnley
Johan Berg Gudmundsson, Ashley Branes, and Matthew Lowton are out injured for Sean Dyche’s side. The Clarets could welcome back striker Chris Wood into the starting line-up after he recovered from a hamstring injury.
It remains to be seen if he will replace Matej Vydra, who has scored twice in his last three appearances in the league.
Predicted line-ups
Tottenham Hotspur
Paulo Gazzaniga, Serge Aurier, Eric Dier, Sanchez, Ben Davies, Gedson Fernandes, Harry Winks, Giovani Lo Celso, Lucas Moura, Dele Alli, Steven Bergwijn
Burnley
Nick Pope, Phil Bardsley, James Tarkowski, Ben Mee, Charlie Taylor, Jeff Hendrick, Ashley Westwood, Jack Cork, Dwight McNeil, Chris Wood, Jay Rodriguez
Tottenham Player to watch
Dele Alli
The 23-year-old started up front for Spurs against Norwich in the FA Cup. He put in a tireless shift and showed the willingness to fight in what was one of his best performances of late.
Alli has a good record against Burnley. He has scored two goals and four assists in his last six appearances against the Clarets. Mourinho will need the youngster to step up once again as Spurs struggle for goals in the absence of Kane and Son.
The midfielder started off well under Mourinho and scored four goals and two assists in his first five games under the Portuguese. He has since struggled to replicate the same.
The Portuguese will need Alli to step up and be counted at Turf Moor if Spurs are to break through the Burnley defence.
