In this eagerly anticipated match, Tottenham Hotspur faces Chelsea, with Mauricio Pochettino returning to North London to lead his Chelsea side against his former club in a thrilling Premier League encounter. Let’s delve into the match preview, team news, and expected lineups.
Match Preview
Tottenham Hotspur, currently sitting at the top of the Premier League, recently secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace. The Lilywhites had a challenging first half against a defensively resolute Crystal Palace but managed to break the deadlock with an unfortunate Joel Ward own goal, followed by Son Heung-min’s goal. Ange Postecoglou, the Tottenham head coach, achieved an impressive feat by amassing 26 points from his first 10 games in the Premier League.
While Tottenham leads the league, they face the risk of being bumped down the table by Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool, who have been performing strongly. Monday’s match will be a crucial test for Postecoglou, as he aims to join the elite club of Premier League head coaches who remained unbeaten in their first 11 games.
Tottenham’s home form has been impressive, with four consecutive home wins and only two goals conceded. They are looking to extend their winning streak to five games, something they haven’t achieved since December 2018.
Mauricio Pochettino, who departed from Tottenham under bittersweet circumstances, returns to his former club. His return will be a significant moment for the fans and players alike.
On the other side, Chelsea has had mixed results in recent matches against London rivals. They squandered a 2-0 lead against Arsenal, drawing 2-2, and faced profligacy in a 2-2 draw against Brentford. Their recent EFL Cup win over Blackburn offered some relief. While their Stamford Bridge performances have been inconsistent, Chelsea has been more successful on the road in the Premier League, securing seven points in their last three away games.
However, Chelsea’s last visit to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended in a 2-0 defeat. Pochettino’s insight and strategy will be crucial as he seeks to avoid a loss at his former home.
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Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou faces a potential issue at left-back for the upcoming match. Destiny Udogie, who missed the last game with a knock, is uncertain to feature, and his replacement, Ben Davies, had to be substituted at halftime due to an ankle injury. Emerson Royal might be the makeshift left-back option if neither player passes a late fitness test.
Several players remain sidelined due to injuries, including Ivan Perisic (knee), Manor Solomon (knee), Alfie Whiteman (ankle), and Ryan Sessegnon (hamstring). In attack, Postecoglou has a decision to make, with Brennan Johnson impressing as a substitute in the previous match.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s left-back Ben Chilwell is still recovering from a thigh injury and won’t be available for a few more weeks. The team also has several players on the injury list, including Romeo Lavia (ankle), Wesley Fofana (knee), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), and Carney Chukwuemeka (knee). Mykhaylo Mudryk might be available, but Armando Broja is expected to be on the bench.
Axel Disasi could potentially take up the right-back position as Badiashile retains his central spot alongside Thiago Silva.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson; Son
Chelsea
Sanchez; Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Match Prediction
While some fans might be hoping for Pochettino to end Tottenham’s unbeaten run, it’s clear that Tottenham has been in great form. Postecoglou’s free-flowing attacking style has been working well, and the Lilywhites have been dominant at home. We predict a 2-1 victory for Tottenham Hotspur in this thrilling encounter.
Conclusion
The upcoming clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea promises to be a thrilling encounter. Both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses in recent matches, and fans can expect an exciting battle on the field.
Tottenham, under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, has been in scintillating form, leading the Premier League and impressing with their free-flowing attacking style. On the other hand, Mauricio Pochettino’s return to his former club adds an extra layer of intrigue to the match.
With the Lilywhites’ impressive home record and Chelsea’s inconsistency, the odds seem to favor Tottenham. However, in football, anything can happen, and Chelsea will be eager to prove their mettle.
So, football enthusiasts, mark your calendars and get ready for an exhilarating match. Whether you’re a Tottenham fan or a Chelsea supporter, this game promises to deliver excitement and drama. Enjoy the beautiful game!