Tottenham Hotspur may be closer than ever in winning the Premier League title sitting just four points behind Chelsea in the league table, but it is not in their hands entirely even if they don’t falter once in their remaining six games. The FA Cup, however, is still in their hands.
After a brilliant season that saw Spurs at their prolific best with all their academy products shining like the sun, FA Cup would be the perfect fruit for their labours if not the league. They will battle Chelsea for it at Wembley and while none have the home advantage, their away form will highly come into consideration.
And Spurs have a worrisome form when not playing at White Hart Lane with the Lilywhites garnering 24 points from 15 games. Chelsea, on the other hand, are topping the table in away form with 36 points from 17 games. But, a derby can throw away the form out of the window as they say, and we are up a mouth-watering one.
Defence
Both the teams have little to worry about the injuries and suspensions with hardly any first team players missing out. Hugo Lloris will start under the bar this time. While Pochettino has always preferred Michel Vorm there for the FA Cup competitions, he is unlikely to start against Chelsea.
Lloris has been nothing short of brilliant for Tottenham this season and their recent displays have hardly had him tested. We expect the Frenchman to remain fresh for the game.
Spurs have shuffled and reshuffled their formation this season repeatedly, all fetching positive results. We expect the Argentine boss to start with a four-man back line against the Blues. Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen will start at the heart of the defence. When fit, the duo is inarguably the best defensive pair in the Premier League.
With Danny Rose still to recover fully, Ben Davies will continue to take his place. The powerhouse has been crucial in Tottenham’s performance, but they seem fine without him too. Kyle Walker will start as the right-back. Davies will, however, be the only weak link for Spurs
Midfield
The central midfield pairing will be Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele. The duo has been outstanding so far and Pochettino will keep it that way. Although Eric Dier started last game against Bournemouth, Wanyama suits Chelsea’s fast-paced physical game more.
Dele Alli will start as the number 10. He looks all set to win the youngest player of the season yet again after a prolific display this campaign.
Attack
Christian Eriksen and Heung Min-Son will start on the flanks as has been the case for the past few weeks. They have 19 goals and 19 assists between them and Chelsea have a big reason to be scared.
The much-anticipated Harry Kane has returned and will spearhead their attack.
