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Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur take on Chelsea in Carabao Cup Leg 2

By Zaph Hutson

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur competes with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during Carabao Cup Semi-Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on January 8, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur competes with Eden Hazard of Chelsea during Carabao Cup Semi-Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on January 8, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham look to advance to the Carabao Cup final as they face Chelsea this evening. Having a one-goal lead on aggregate, Spurs have the upper-hand but must bring their best game if they are to move on.

Tottenham were the victors in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semis, winning with a 1-0 scoreline. The single goal came from a Harry Kane penalty. Spurs looked like the better team throughout the match and had a few good chances outside of the penalty. Even with a healthy Eden Hazard, Chelsea struggled to produce in Tottenham’s third with their best chance coming from who else but Andreas Christensen.

A similar low-scoring game would be ideal for Spurs as some of their best attackers are out of the match- Kane, Dele Alli, and Heung-Min Son. Fortunately, their defense is back up to full strength. Poch will be able to choose his best back 4 or 5 among some of the Premier League’s best defenders.

Because Tottenham has a weaker attack and a strong defense, there is every indication that the scoreline will be very similar to the first leg result. Sanchez and Alderweireld will be able to keep Hazard quiet, as they did before.

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after Christian Eriksen (not pictured) of Tottenham Hotspur scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Internazionale at Wembley Stadium on November 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after Christian Eriksen (not pictured) of Tottenham Hotspur scores his sides first goal during the UEFA Champions League Group B match between Tottenham Hotspur and FC Internazionale at Wembley Stadium on November 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Perhaps to ensure a clean sheet Pochettino won’t have Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier play so far up the sides. Those two and Moussa Sissoko should prioritize stifling Wilian and Pedro. Poch could look at some tape of Arsenal’s clean sheet victory over Chelsea from last Saturday to get an idea for strategy.

If a clean sheet is a won, another penalty or a single goal from Christian Eriksen or Lucas Moura could be all that is needed. With that, Tottenham would advance to the finals.

The Chelsea vs Tottenham match will take place this evening- January 24- at 19:45 local time. The Stamford Bridge contest can be viewed via Sky Sports Main Event or ESPN+.

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