Tottenham Hotspur continues the roller coaster we call a season on Sunday as Spurs host the Chelsea Blues; these are the 11 players we should expect to start in Lilywhite.
Do not expect many changes in the Spurs 11 when Chelsea comes to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon for another London derby. Tottenham is coming off an important win against West Ham, seemingly righting the ship after consecutive losses. Chelsea is looking for a similar bounce with a win over Spurs. With a chance to solidify a hold on a top-four spot and continue to bury Chelsea in a midtable scrap, here are the 11 Spurs who will start against the Blues.
Tottenham forwards to face Chelsea
Although Heung-min Son once again scored in his last match, perhaps bringing the South Korean off the bench is the best move for Spurs, with four of his five goals coming as a substitute. This is our logic, as our front three is unchanged from the group that beat the Hammers.
Left-forward – Richarlison
Whether or not he is more of a striker or a left-forward is probably debatable and has more to do with where Harry Kane goes than anything. Regardless, the Brazilian is going to get another run-out on Sunday. If nothing else, Richarlison will run hard for an hour, chasing down balls and pressuring the Chelsea defenders. This effort may lead to some chances but will lead to tired legs when Son comes on in the second half.
Center-forward – Harry Kane
Barring some unforeseen situation, Harry Kane is starting against Chelsea on Sunday. Kane was ill earlier in the week but seems to have recovered and should be ready for the Blues. Looking to extend his club-record goal tally and inch closer to Haaland in the Golden Boot race, Kane will be ready Sunday.
Right-forward – Dejan Kulusevski
Although he did not score or have an assist against West Ham, it is unlikely Emerson Royal would have been running unmarked down the pitch for his goal had Dejan Kulusevski not been there to draw some attention. Dekki was just fractionally off from connecting on several crosses to Kane and a couple of shots. If he can cut in on his left against the Blues, he can do some damage on Kepa Arrizabalaga in goal.
Projected Spurs midfield for the Blues
We know that injuries limit some of the choices in the midfield, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Yves Bissouma both likely out for the season. Additionally, Ryan Sessegnon is still nursing whatever his latest knock is, leaving Tottenham a bit thin in the middle of the park.
Left-wing-back – Ben Davies
Ivan Perisic is back and available; however, Ben Davies provides a greater defensive presence at left-wing-back. Perisic has a little more attacking style and verve, but Davies is the right call to battle up and down the line against Reece James. After a wonderful performance last week against West Ham, Davies deserves another run-out on the left.
Central midfield – Oliver Skipp
There was some question about whether Pape Matar Sarr or Oliver Skipp would start against West Ham; however, I’m not sure the same question applies now. Skipp looked like the player developing in the first half of last season before his injury, providing some movement and something different with the ball. Although Sarr will get his minutes, Skipp is getting the call again.
Central midfield – Pierre Hojbjerg
Aside from a card suspension, the one constant in the Tottenham midfield this season has been our Viking, Pierre Hojbjerg. Based on his availability and consistent play, Hojbjerg has been paramount to what has been good about Spurs this season. Relentless defensively and expanding his passing range, Hojbjerg will need to be big in partnership with Skipp, as they will be outnumbered in the middle of the park.
Right-wing-back – Emerson Royal
As if he was the new signing coming in and playing to an unexpected level, Emerson Royal seems to have finally gotten it figured out on the right. Of course, the Brazilian is only one poor performance away from being fans’ whipping boy again, but for now, I know I am enjoying his purple patch. Long may it continue!
Tottenham Defensive Projections for Sunday
As the front seven has not changed, do not expect changes in the back three for Spurs either.
Left-back – Clement Lenglet
Seemingly recovered from the horror show of Spurs’ first match against Manchester City, Clement Lenglet has been playing well for the last month. Lenglet has been timely with challenges on defense and is strong with the ball at his feet. Still susceptible to quickness, Lenglet is improving in the scheme.
Center-back – Eric Dier
Likely to be tasked with keeping an eye on Kai Havertz – or whoever is playing striker for Chelsea – Eric Dier will have his hands full. Dier was better against the Hammers, avoiding the big mistake, and with another week between games, he should be ready to go.
Right-back – Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero is one of the catalysts of the positive play from Tottenham over the last few weeks. In Romero, Spurs have the kind of defender that opposing players must consider because he can crunch you at any moment. Back to pushing forward at any opportunity, the best of Romero is soon to come.
Goalkeeper – Fraser Forster
After his first start against Leicester following Lloris’s injury Fraster Forster was not a good goalkeeper. However, a few games into his playing time, Forster again looks like a competent shot-stopper. Forster had a few nice saves against West Ham and was unlucky to concede against Milan after making a double, but not triple, save. Forster is not going to be winning man of the match a ton, but if Spurs can limit the opportunities against him, he is good for a few saves.