Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to recover from their 2-1 defeat to Manchester United when they host Burnley on Saturday. The Lilywhites must collect all three points as they look to continue their push for the top four places. However, things could be tricky against an unpredictable Burnley, who will be keen on recovering from their humiliating 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Here is how Mourinho’s men might line-up against the Clarets this weekend.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Mourinho is expected to make a few alterations to the side that lost to Manchester United. Not in defence, however, with Jan Vertonghen set to retain his role at left-back, ahead of Danny Rose while Ben Davies is out injured. The Belgian will be hoping for a quieter game against a Burnley attack.
Davinson Sanchez and Toby Alderweireld, meanwhile, are also expected to continue at the heart of Spurs’ four-man backline. They must, however, be careful dealing with the rather potent offensive duo of Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood. Both of them are capable of providing a physical and aerial threat inside the box.
Elsewhere, Serge Aurier is a guaranteed starter at right-back, with Mourinho devoid of reliable options in the said position. And finally, it is Paulo Gazzaniga, who will start in goal. The Argentine is currently deputising for the injured Hugo Lloris.
Midfield
Mourinho is expected to omit Moussa Sissoko from the starting lineup following a disastrous display against Man United. The Frenchman is likely to make way for his compatriot Tanguy Ndombele.
Eric Dier, meanwhile, is also set to return after unexpectedly starting on the bench in midweek. His defensive prowess and physical presence in the middle could help add more solidity to the Tottenham midfield.
Attack
Giovani Lo Celso is tipped to receive his first start under Mourinho after often being overlooked in the last few weeks. The Argentine will be keen on making an impression, knowing it could help him earn a more prominent role in the first-team, especially with Christian Eriksen linked with a move away from north London in January.
Lo Celso could feature in a wide midfield role along with Son Heung-Min, though the South Korean may drop into a more central role and partner Harry Kane – making the Spurs formation look more like a 4-2-2-2. Dele Alli will be the one to operate in the advanced attacking midfield role.
