Tottenham Hotspur Projected XI for Fulham in Premier League

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STOKE ON TRENT, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Erik Lamela, Eric Dier and Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur celebrate after the Caraboa Cup Quarter Final match between Stoke City and Tottenham Hotspur at Bet365 Stadium on December 23, 2020 in Stoke on Trent, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

After four matches without a win, Tottenham Hotspur are hosting the Fulham Cottagers with Spurs looking to stay within shouting distance of the league lead.

As Tottenham Hotspur have struggled to maintain possession and produce chances over the last few weeks, expect some changes in the line-up from José Mourinho. Tottenham must get three points against a relegation battling side looking to move out of the bottom three. Here is the line-up and formation we think José will use to get the team back on track.

Fix the Formation

After coming out in a three-back set-up, that often felt like five backs with Sergio Reguilón and Matt Doherty at the wide midfield positions. The back three worked in terms of limiting good scoring chances for Wolves, however 22 shots against is not a good day. Spurs far too often ended up backing up and had terrible spacing for possession. Given Spurs were outshot by a factor of 4 to 1, sticking with the three backs does not make that much sense.

Frankly, the last time Tottenham really played well was against West Brom in a 0-1 road win, where Spurs dominated possession and thoroughly out played the Baggies. Tottenham have won since then but have done so in less than impressive fashion as the difference in possession and shots per match has steadily gone in the wrong direction.

16 games into a season it is difficult to call Fulham a newly promoted side but the truth of the matter is Fulham are in 18th place and Tottenham are the better team. Spurs need to get back to their strengths and look to push more on the attack. This means having more attacking talent in the midfield to support Harry Kane and company.

José Mourinho and Tottenham do this by going back to the 4-2-3-1 but changing up who plays in the central holding role with Pierre Højbjerg and bringing in some fresh legs in the number 10 hole. With nothing short of three points as an option, this is the line-up Mourinho will deploy.