Jose Mourinho will once again go head to head against his former employers when Tottenham Hotspur lock horns with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Lilywhites are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in midweek, and a win could be imperative as they look to move up the Premier League table.
Here is how Spurs might line up against the Blues this weekend.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Chelsea
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Mourinho is expected to retain his trusted four-man backline. In fact, he might not make any changes to the side that lost to RB Leipzig in midweek.
Hugo Lloris is once again expected to retain his place in between the sticks. He will be starting ahead of Paulo Gazzaniga.
Serge Aurier is a guaranteed starter at right-back. The Ivorian has been an ever-present figure in Tottenham’s starting lineup since the turn of the year. Meanwhile, Ben Davies may just get the nod ahead of Japhet Tanganga on the opposite flank. However, the Welshman has started the last two games and might be rested at some point.
In central defence, Jan Vertonghen is pushing for a start ahead of Davinson Sanchez. But, we expect the Colombian to retain his place at the heart of Tottenham’s four-man backline, alongside Toby Alderweireld.
Midfield
Gedson Fernandes awkwardly started in a wide role against Leipzig. But with Mourinho likely to revert to a 4-2-3-1 setup this weekend, we expect the Portuguese sensation to return to the bench.
Harry Winks, however, remains a crucial component of the Spurs midfield. He will retain his place in the double-pivot, though this time, he could be partnered by Tanguy Ndombele. The Frenchman has struggled with injuries this season and will be hoping to make an impact against Chelsea.
Attack
Giovani Lo Celso might have had to settle for a place on the bench in this one despite being one of Spurs’ best performers since the turn of the year. But, with Son Heung-Min now ruled out for the rest of the season, the Argentine should get an opportunity to feature at right-wing, with Steven Bergwijn starting on the opposite flank.
Dele Alli, as usual, will operate as the lone number ten, just behind the main striker Lucas Moura. However, we expect the Englishman to act as an auxiliary centre-forward to provide additional support to his Brazilian teammate – making this formation much more flexible, which is essential, especially with Son out injured.
