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Spurs have everything to prove vs Chelsea

By Zaph Hutson

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his second goal and his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 27, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 27: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring his second goal and his team's third goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on August 27, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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Many questions will be answered thanks to the match on Saturday. A few Spurs players will be tested to see if they’re worthy of being in the starting lineup. As a whole for Tottenham, this game will have deep implications.

Sissoko

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on November 10, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 10: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur at Selhurst Park on November 10, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

One question that some have is ‘Is Moussa Sissoko a great player, or is he just in good form?’ It is true that we have seen much more of him recently. Still, the Chelsea game will be a trustworthy measuring stick for his skill.

Chelsea are second in terms of goals scored. In terms goals for players, Eden Hazard is in second also. Sissoko must prove himself against the crafty Chelsea attack. This could be make-or-break for him.

Some people are quite critical of Sissoko, as pointed out by Ben Davies. Davies said “I think quite a lot of people had written him off.” Still, Davies himself gushed with praise for his teammate. He went on to say “I think he’s been playing very well for us” and then complimented Sissoko on his ability to start an effective counter-attack. Saturday will see who is right- the doubters or Davies.

Moura & Lamela

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur breaks away from Jorrit Hendrix of PSV Eindhoven during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and PSV at Wembley Stadium on November 6, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 06: Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur breaks away from Jorrit Hendrix of PSV Eindhoven during the Group B match of the UEFA Champions League between Tottenham Hotspur and PSV at Wembley Stadium on November 6, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

While Moura is more likely to get the start, both him and Lamela could be in the starting XI. Both have been a tad underwhelming recently. Even though they played a lot around the opponent’s box in the last two games, they didn’t produce. This was against Crystal Palace and PSV Eindhoven.

Both Moura and Lamela are tricky playmakers but they have been lacking the final shot or crucial pass. They seem to do too much thinking and not enough playing.

Earlier in the season, we saw many flashes of their brilliance. Lamela is especially dangerous when coming off the bench. We will see if they have improved their finishing against Chelsea.

Tottenham

ENFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur speaks to the media during the Tottenham Hotspur press conference at the Enfield Training Centre on November 5, 2018 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur speaks to the media during the Tottenham Hotspur press conference at the Enfield Training Centre on November 5, 2018 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

Pochettino’s game-plan will be tested to the max. We all know Harry Kane is a world-class striker- but what about the build-up play to get him they ball? That has been lacking lately and is one reason why Spurs have been narrowly winning in low-scoring games.

This game will be a great window into how Tottenham will handle their upcoming matches. Will Ben Davies be able to handle speedy wingers like Willian? Will Hugo Lloris be able to stifle the barrage of shots that will come his way? What will be the quality of crosses into the box or chemistry on the counter?

Tottenham needs to prove the doubters wrong and answer burning questions. Saturday is their chance to do just that.

Next. Potential starting XI for Spurs vs Chelsea. dark

Also, both Spurs and Chelsea are among the few teams that can actually challenge for the title. As they sit at one point apart from each other, a win for either side could affect morale for the rest of the season. Also, it could be the difference between lifting the trophy and not.