Chelsea will clash heads with Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night looking to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg when Harry Kane made the difference by successfully converting a penalty to give Spurs a narrow win. However, both teams would have a selection dilemma for this encounter with a number of key players missing due to injuries.
Spurs might opt for a 3-4-2-1 formation to counter the Pensioners’ 4-3-3 set-up so it will be an intriguing tactical battle between the two London giants.
Team News
Chelsea
Maurizio Sarri is expected to make a whole host of changes to his side for the FA Cup clash against Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday. So we can expect him to name his strongest XI against Spurs with a place in the League Cup final up for grabs.
Olivier Giroud might lead the line for the Pensioners in midweek as Gonzalo Higuain was not registered in time to be available for this match. Ruben Loftus-Cheek can be ruled out of this clash due to injury.
Tottenham Hotspur
Mauricio Pochettino will be sweating on the fitness of Lucas Moura as he is slowly nearing a first-team return. However, the Brazilian speedster might have to settle for a place on the Tottenham bench as Spurs are likely to opt for a front three of Fernando Llorente, Christian Eriksen, and Erik Lamela.
Predicted Lineups
Chelsea
Kepa Arrizabalaga; Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso; NGolo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic; Pedro, Olivier Giroud, Eden Hazard
Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris; Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Jan Vertonghen; Kieran Trippier, Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Ben Davies; Christian Eriksen, Erik Lamela, Fernando Llorente
Key Men
Chelsea
The central defensive partnership between Rudiger and Luiz will once again be the focus of attention as the home team simply cannot afford to let their opponents score on Thursday night. The front three of Hazard, Giroud and Pedro needs to link up well with each other so that they can get the goals that would put the Pensioners in the Carabao Cup final.
Tottenham Hotspur
Fernando Llorente needs to have a good game up top so that Spurs can grind out a result at Stamford Bridge. The Spanish striker will have to fill the boots of the injured Harry Kane so it won’t be easy for him to be a similar goal-threat inside the Chelsea penalty box. Eriksen will also have a lot resting on his shoulders as he will be tasked with creating chances for others around him in the opposition half.
Odds
Chelsea win – 8/13
Draw – 16/5
Tottenham Hotspur win – 9/2
