Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to get back to winning ways in the league this weekend when they travel to Turf Moor to take on an in-form Burnley side. The Lilywhites are coming into this tie on the back of a truly devastating defeat at the hands of Norwich City in the FA Cup, albeit by a penalty shootout. Despite playing against the bottom Premier League club, Jose Mourinho’s side were unable to keep control of possession for an extended period in the game.
The Clarets have been displaying some fine league form over the last couple of months and will be confident of their chances of getting a result against Spurs. The Tottenham defence has been far from secure so far this season, and it’s perhaps not a massive surprise that their last two league outings have both ended in defeats. To have any chance of victory, Mourinho will surely have to instil a bit of spirit and determination back into this deflated Spurs team in the little time that remains until the fixture.
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Versatile French midfielder Moussa Sissoko was one of the Lilywhites’ standout players in the initial parts of the season, but the knock he picked up earlier in the campaign is set to keep the dribbler out at least till the start of April. Harry Kane’s absence needs no introduction to Tottenham fans, who have been calling for the inclusion of a proper striker in the side over the last few weeks. Heung-min Son is another name that’s unavailable for selection, while Juan Foyth, Ryan Sessegnon and Hugo Lloris could make it back in time.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Lineup Vs Burnley
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Defence
Despite Hugo Lloris’ timely return to fitness, the likelihood of Jose rushing the Frenchman back into the fold is quite bleak, meaning that Paulo Gazzaniga could continue between the sticks for the London club. In front of him, expect to see Davinson Sanchez continuing in the heart of the defence, while Toby Alderweireld is set to replace Eric Dier for the other centre-half slot. Serge Aurier has been one of Jose’s most dependable players so far this term, and the speedster is expected to continue down the right, while Japhet Tanganga could come into the left-sided role.
Midfield
Prodigious midfielder Oliver Skipp was given a run-out by Jose in the midweek fixture against Norwich City. Despite some good work, expect the youngster to drop down to the bench for this tie with the dynamic Tanguy Ndombele set to take his place in the core of this Spurs team. Harry Winks is set to continue alongside him, and act as the link between the Spurs’ defence and attack lines.
Attack
The Lilywhites’ best player over the last month has undoubtedly been Giovani Lo Celso. The Argentine midfielder has showcased his overall quality on multiple occasions and continues to impress with his creativity as well as attitude. Expect the former La Liga star to retain the slot just in behind the main striker Dele Alli. Steven Bergwijn and Lucas Moura would be tasked with providing all of the Tottenham width on the night.
