The Special One will clash against his former team this midweek as Chelsea lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on Tuesday. The Lilywhites were unlucky with a penalty decision late on as Newcastle United sealed a point in the dying embers of the game. That said, Spurs have fared well under Jose Mourinho so far, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with Chelsea this midweek.
Predicted Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
Expect Mourinho to make wholesale changes given the fact that Tottenham have another game on Thursday, in the UEFA Europa League. So it won’t be surprising to see Joe Hart once again making a return in goal, at the expense of Hugo Lloris.
Serge Aurier started as a right-back against Shkendija last week, and the Ivorian is a favourite to do so once again. Ben Davies, meanwhile, may also get a rest as new signing Sergio Reguilon is finally fit for selection. The Spaniard should operate at left-back.
In central defence, Tottenham are still missing out on the services of Japhet Tanganga. So one of either Davinson Sanchez or Eric Dier will have to start alongside Toby Alderweireld, at the heart of the four-man backline this week. The Colombian is likely to get the nod ahead of his English teammate.
Midfield
Harry Winks is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup despite being an ever-present figure in the Tottenham midfield. He will form the double-pivot alongside Gedson Fernandes, with new signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg likely to be rested for the UEFA Europa League qualifying playoff match against Maccabi Haifa on Thursday.
Giovani Lo Celso operated in the advanced midfield role in the last game. However, the Argentine might make way for Tanguy Ndombele in this fixture, while the future of star player Dele Alli still remains uncertain.
Attack
Son Heung-Min was hooked off at half-time, and it has revealed that the South Korean international will be out for a “while” after picking up a hamstring problem. It means Harry Kane will now have to spearhead the Tottenham attack.
The English international is likely to be partnered by Steven Bergwijn on the left flank while Erik Lamela should replace Lucas Moura on the opposite side.
