Tottenham predicted line-up vs Chelsea: four changes made amid big Vicario and Romero decisions
How Tottenham Hotspur are expected to lineup against Chelsea this weekend
Tottenham Hotspur will hope to improve on their poor recent record against Chelsea when they play host to the fellow Champions League-chasing side this weekend.
Spurs have won just one of their last 13 matches against the Blues, with their most recent win coming in February 2023 when Antonio Conte was still in the dugout.
The upcoming London derby is a fixture that has a history of entertainment and goals. Last season’s match saw Tottenham storm into two goal lead after just 11 minutes before being beaten 4-3 while in the year prior to that in a match which encapsulated Ange Postecoglou’s cavalier philosophy the Lilywhites fell to a 4-1 home defeat in November 2023 while sticking with a high-line despite being reduced to 10 men.
Thomas Frank, who has only lost two of his eight games against Chelsea during his time at Brentford, will hope to inspire Tottenham to victory against the West London club.
He’s made a positive start to life as Tottenham manager, with the team currently sitting in third position. However, injury problems are beginning to pile up - just as they did last season, leaving the Dane with plenty of important selection decisions to make in terms of his lineup.
Frank made four changes from the team that beat Everton during Wednesday’s cup defeat to Newcastle United, but how many is the manager likely to make this time around?
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI vs Chelsea: goalkeeper and defence
GK: Guglielmo Vicario: Spurs number one Guglielmo Vicario replaces Antonín Kinský in the lineup following Wednesday’s cup defeat to Newcastle United. Thomas Frank admitted the goalkeeper had a slight issue in midweek but it’s not thought to be enough to prevent him from playing in this weekend’s London derby.
RB: Pedro Porro: When in full flow, Pedro Porro is right up there with the best attacking full-backs in the league. He’s played most weeks under Thomas Frank so far and will hope to make an impact against an injury-hit Chelsea back-line.
CB: Kevin Danso: Austrian defender Kevin Danso was lauded for having a ‘magnet head’ during Tottenham’s win over Everton. He’s done well in Cristian Romero’s absence and should keep his place for the time being as the skipper edges closer to a return.
CB: Micky van de Ven: Scorer of a brace against Everton, Micky van de Ven is currently playing with lots of confidence and is a huge threat from set pieces. His excellent pace could be important when trying to nullify Chelsea’s attacking threats.
LB: Djed Spence: The former Middlesbrough man has enjoyed a really steady start to the season which has propelled him into the international setup. He’s expected to keep his place despite being at the centre of controversy for Newcastle’s opener on Wednesday evening.
Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI vs Chelsea: midfield and attack
CM: João Palhinha: Portugal international Joao Palhinha, who was earmarked by 3AddedMinutes as a good player to target over the summer, has certainly lived up to expectations since joining on loan from Bayern Munich. His work rate and tenacity makes him a crucial player in Thomas Frank’s side.
CM: Rodrigo Bentancur: Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur is expected to play alongside Joao Palhinha in a familiar and effective midfield pairing. The partnership at present makes Tottenham’s defence much harder to infiltrate than in years gone by.
CAM: Xavi Simons: Netherlands international Xavi Simons hasn’t hit the heights expected of him so far since making the move from the Bundesliga, but he’s expected to be given more chances to show what he’s about after thriving for RB Leipzig.
RM: Mohammed Kudus: One of Tottenham’s standout performers so far has been big money signing Mohammed Kudus. He’s expected to return to the lineup ahead of Lucas Bergvall.
LM: Brennan Johnson: Wales international Brennan Johnson has had a subdued start to the campaign but the team’s current injury situation puts him in pole position to retain a starting spot.
ST: Randal Kolo Muani: Former World Cup finalist Randal Kolo Muani finally made his first start for Tottenham after a deadline day move from Paris Saint-Germain. He’s yet to score after an injury-hit beginning to life in England, but he’s likely to be given more opportunities. He comes in for Richarlison, who was underwhelming at St. James’ Park on Wednesday.