Tottenham projected starting 11 vs Chelsea in semifinal leg two
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham projected starting 11 for Chelsea
Defence
Eric Dier‘s status is still uncertain after missing the first leg of the semifinal last week at Stamford Bridge. He fell ill about nine days ago, so it will be a race against time to see if he is fit enough to crack the starting team. If there’s even a glimmer of hope, Dier will play. Spurs direly (poor pun intended) need their defensive foreman to take charge of this one, especially after the debacle that transpired in west London last week.
If he isn’t good to go, Conte has a difficult choice to make. Japhet Tanganga has been poor recently, even struggling against Morecambe in the first half. It was his absence of awareness that allowed Morecambe to score a famous FA Cup goal on Sunday. Joe Rodon looked laggard and probably isn’t ready for a match of this high degree of difficulty. Though based on the last week, Rodon is a better choice than Japhet, who needs time to restore his shot confidence.
Midfield
It’s back to Conte’s preferred midfield. Though there is merit for a slightly altered formation, the Italian gaffer will probably stick with his tried and tested thanks to having a nearly full complement of first-team personnel.
Sergio Reguilon has recovered from an ailment and will start on the left, while Royal, after resting for most of Sunday’s Fa Cup match, will be restored on the right. Royal endured a difficult night at the office last at Stamford Bridge and will need to be substantially better for Spurs to have any chance of a famous comeback.
Oliver Skipp and Pierre Hojbjerg, who were outnumbered and ran ragged in last week’s 2-0 first leg defeat, will hope for more possession and control. Thankfully Reguilon’s presence, and the fact Spurs are at home, should help provide more midfield control.