Chelsea have probably picked up the worst time to visit Tottenham Hotspur, given the current state of form and squad Antonio Conte has at his disposal. The Italian manager had seen his side’s 13-game winning streak end against Mauricio Pochettino’s men last season and will be wary of their quality.
Though Spurs’ frightening home form could be under huge threat as they start their campaign with Wembley stadium as home. With White Hart Lane undergoing a makeover, Pochettino will hope to tune their dreadful fortune at Wembley starting Sunday. They had played their Champions League campaign there and the Lilywhites lost to AS Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen before beating CSKA Moscow.
They returned there again in the Europa League but could manage just a draw against an under-quality Gent side.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur- A huge boost for Tottenham would be the return of Kieran Trippier, who according to the manager could be fit for the game. Following the sale of Kyle Walker to Manchester City, the right back’s role has left a huge hole with young Kyle Walker-Peters as the only viable option. Now with Tripper returning from his ankle injury, Pochettino would be confident.
Apart from them, Danny Rose still misses with his knee injury, Erik Lamela with hip and Georges-Kevin Nkoudou with a foot injury.
Chelsea- Chelsea could have a huge boost in the return of Tiemoue Bakayoko. The new signing hasn’t been fully fit but could be up for contention as Conte is expected to push him following the lack of options in the midfield.
Victor Moses is also back from his ban although Pedro remains a huge doubt. Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill remain suspended while their star playmaker Eden Hazard remains out.
Predicted Lineup
Tottenham Hotspur- Lloris: Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Dier; Davies, Wanyama, Dembele, Trippier; Eriksen, Alli; Kane
Chelsea- Courtois; Rudiger, Luiz, Azpilicueta; Moses, Bakayoko, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Boga: Morata
Key Players
Tottenham Hotspur- Of course, the trio of Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen would be the biggest threat for Chelsea, who have started the season in a majestic way away at Newcastle United. Kane hasn’t scored in the first game, which is an unusual sight for the Spurs fans.
Chelsea- Following the first game, Chelsea looked a diminishing side starting their title defence. However, Willian has looked a threat whenever going forward and Morata would love to get things going after a debut goal.
Odds
Tottenham Hotspur@ 21/10
Draw @ 5/2
Chelsea @ 5/2
