Chelsea will clash heads with Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium on Wednesday for the 2nd leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The Blues cruised to a 2-0 victory last week in the first leg of the clash putting one leg in the finals of the competition. Chelsea also enjoyed a big victory in the 3rd round of the FA Cup this weekend and will be hoping to keep up the winning momentum when they face Spurs away from home on Wednesday.
3-4-3 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue between the sticks for the Blues in the absence of their first goalkeeper Edouard Mendy who went off for international duty this month. Although the Spaniard had only little to do in the first leg, it is expected that Spurs will offer more of a threat this time and Kepa will need to be on his toes to keep a cleansheet on Wednesday.
The likes of Antonio Rudiger, Malang Sarr and Cesar Azpilicueta are expected to start at the heart of the defence in order to ensure they keep Spurs out of the Chelsea goal in the 2nd leg. Andreas Christensen will be on the bench providing cover in the defensive areas to Thomas Tuchel. Both Thiago Silva and Trevoh Chalobah are expected to miss the tie due to Covid-19 and hamstring problems respectively.
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Midfield
Saul Niguez is likely to be given a start alongside Jorginho who will look to control the tempo of the game from the centre of the pitch. Both the midfielders’ job will be to see out the game keeping as much possession of the ball as possible in order to prevent the Spurs attackers from having the ball. Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be on the bench and will only come on in the 2nd half to replace the tired legs on the pitch. Kante is likely to be out after testing positive for Covid-19.
In the absence of Reece James, Hakim Ziyech will take up that right wing-back role and will be looking to create chances from the wider areas. Marcos Alonso will keep his place at left wing-back and will be given the freedom to go up the pitch and make things happen.
Attack
Romelu Lukaku is expected to lead the line for the Blues and will be supported by the likes of Mason Mount and Kai Havertz from behind. Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic will be on the bench and be key options for Tuchel to bring on in the 2nd half in order to make an impact on the game if needed.
