Tottenham Hotspur brace themselves for a stern test as they face reigning European champions Chelsea on Sunday. The Lilywhites began the season well, securing three wins in three matches, but their progress was derailed by a defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend while they also failed to secure a win over Rennes in the UEFA Conference League.
Predicted Tottenham Lineup Vs Chelsea
Defence
Nuno Espirito Santo will be boosted by the return of Cristian Romero and Davinson Sanchez as they will be back from quarantine just the day before the Chelsea clash.
With Eric Dier picking up a knock against Palace and Japhet Tanganga getting sent off, Nuno has a decision to make. It is obvious that both Romero and Sanchez lack match fitness, so it will be up to the Portuguese tactician to either throw them right back into the action or opt for the central defensive duo of Joe Rodon and Ben Davies.
We are predicting the latter, with Rodon, in particular, a guaranteed starter either way. He will play a vital role in marshalling the makeshift backline, consisting of Emerson Royal and Sergio Reguilon as the two fullbacks.
Hugo Lloris, meanwhile, should make his return in goal after making way for new signing Pierluigi Gollini in midweek.
Midfield
After a disastrous performance against Palace last time out, Nuno will have learned his lesson and should revert back to a double-pivot. Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is a guaranteed starter in the number six slot while Oliver Skipp should accompany him in the middle of the park.
The young midfielder lacked full fitness against Palace, but he will be desperate to recover his form this weekend, against Chelsea. However, it is Hojbjerg who could play a valuable role for Tottenham in breaking up the opposition’s build-up play and screening the vulnerable backline.
Attack
Son Heung-Min, Lucas Moura and Giovani Lo Celso are all doubts heading into this game for Tottenham. However, we do expect Lucas to recover from a slight knock he picked up against Rennes, forming Spurs’ creative trifecta alongside Dele Alli and Steven Bergwijn.
The three will play an essential role in providing the services upfront for star striker Harry Kane, who has had a rather slow start to the 2021/22 season and is yet to score in the Premier League.
