Tottenham’s Carabao Cup campaign came to a disappointing end after Newcastle United sent them packing with a 2-0 win, and attention will now turn back to Premier League duties, with Chelsea up next. Let’s take a look at our predicted Tottenham XI to face the Blues.
Thomas Frank’s side is set to face Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea this weekend, with the Blues also desperate for a positive response following their own recent league setback.
Chelsea suffered a shock defeat to Sunderland but quickly bounced back by beating Wolves, which showed their inconsistency yet highlighted their potential danger when given space to operate.
However, Sunderland’s victory does serve as a reminder that this Chelsea team can be beaten if the approach is right, something Frank will undoubtedly be weighing up.
The main issue for him, though, is injuries, which continue to pile up and restrict his options heading into what will be another physically demanding London derby.
Despite that, we have attempted to predict Tottenham’s starting XI for their clash with Chelsea.
Tottenham predicted XI vs Chelsea
Goalkeeper – Guglielmo Vicario: Antonin Kinsky was handed a rare opportunity to impress during the midweek, but the Czech international struggled, with his mistake leading to Newcastle’s second goal. Vicario is expected to return to the starting XI.
Right-back – Pedro Porro: The Spaniard captained the side in midweek, and with Frank short of defensive options, Porro should retain his spot on the right side of the defence.
Centre-back – Kevin Danso: Should Cristian Romero recover in time, he will likely slot back into the side, but if not, Danso is expected to continue in central defence.
Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: The Dutchman was given some much-needed rest against Newcastle as an unused substitute, so he should come straight back into the line-up.
Left-back – Djed Spence: With Archie Gray, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie all sidelined, Frank will have little choice but to turn to Spence on the left.
Pivot midfielder – Rodrigo Bentancur: The Uruguayan played just over an hour against Newcastle and should be ready to start again in the holding role.
Pivot midfielder – Joao Palhinha: The Portuguese midfielder filled in at centre-back against Newcastle, but with Van de Ven back, he should return to his natural midfield position.
Centre midfielder – Pape Matar Sarr: Frank has several options in midfield, including Mohammed Kudus, Xavi Simons, and Lucas Bergvall, but Sarr’s energy and defensive contribution could see him start to help contain Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
Right winger – Mohammed Kudus: The Ghanaian remains Tottenham’s most dangerous attacking threat and will be one of the first names on the team sheet.
Striker – Randal Kolo Muani: Richarlison failed to make an impression against Newcastle, and with Kolo Muani fit again, the Frenchman should lead the line.
Left winger – Brennan Johnson: With Wilson Odobert missing and Johnson a regular feature in recent weeks, the Welshman is expected to keep his place.