Here is how Tottenham could line up against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Desperately bidding to get back to winning ways, Tottenham Hotspur travel to Stamford Bridge to take on bitter rivals Chelsea on May 19.
Spurs failed to make it three wins on a trot at the start of the week as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Leeds United at home. Roberto De Zerbi’s side missed a glorious chance to extend the gap between them and relegation rivals West Ham to four points. Eventually, they had to settle for a point, which is extremely valuable considering the high stakes in the relegation battle.
Tottenham might head into the Chelsea game back in the relegation zone should West Ham beat Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday. It is vital that De Zerbi and Co. get a positive result against Chelsea, who are reeling from the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City. On the back of losing another cup final at Wembley, the Blues must be raring to put up a show in front of their fans and put a big dent in Tottenham’s survival hopes.
That said, here is the predicted Tottenham lineup for their upcoming clash against Chelsea.
Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky
Guglielmo Vicario is yet to be declared fit to play after undergoing groin surgery in March. Antonin Kinsky has deputised exceedingly well in Vicario’s absence, and he made a world-class save off Sean Longstaff’s shot in stoppage time to deny Leeds United a win on Monday.
The Czech Republic shot-stopper must continue his strong form between the sticks and aim to shut the shop as quickly as possible at Stamford Bridge.
Defence: Pedro Porro, Kevin Danso, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie
The back four that started against Leeds United is unlikely to see any changes. This means Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie will continue operating as the full-backs, hoping to make an impact at both ends of the pitch. The duo will need to be defensively switched on throughout the game to keep Chelsea’s tricky wingers at bay.
Micky van de Ven should continue partnering Kevin Danso in central defence. They must keep things tidy and simple at the back.
Midfield: Joao Palhinha, Rodrigo Bentancur, Conor Gallagher
Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha have shown signs of building a strong partnership at the base of Tottenham’s midfield. The experienced duo’s presence has liberated Conor Gallagher, allowing the England international to thrive in an advanced No.10 role.
Gallagher returns to his old stomping ground on Tuesday evening, and one could imagine the hostility he is going to receive from the Stamford Bridge faithful. However, he can silence all of them by making a vital contribution. James Maddison made his long-awaited comeback from an ACL injury against Leeds and will again be an option to help Spurs off the bench.
Attack: Mathys Tel, Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani
Mathys Tel went from hero to villain inside 20 minutes against Leeds. After scoring a cracking goal, Tel conceded a penalty, which Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted to help his side earn a point. Despite his big mistake, De Zerbi is expected to stick with the Frenchman off the left flank, with his compatriot Randal Kolo Muani operating from the opposite wing.
De Zerbi is hopeful Dominic Solanke will return from a hamstring injury against Chelsea, but Richarlison is certain to lead the Tottenham attack.