Son To Start? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Lineup To Face Chelsea | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur’s dismal season could still be salvaged as they progressed to the quarter-final of the Europa League. Although they endured significant injury concerns, a bottom-half finish in the Premier League is highly unacceptable for a club of Spurs’ stature. They must turn things around in the campaign’s final stretch, starting with a result at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea on Thursday night.

While the Blues are battling for a ‘top four’ finish, their lack of consistency is a worrying sign with several outfits, including Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa chasing a Champions League berth. However, they are likely to have Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke back in action, overcoming injury woes, and the Lilywhites boss Ange Postecoglou must fix his frailties in the defensive third to avoid another setback against their London rivals. They lost 3-4 at home in the reverse fixture, and it is to be seen whether the Aussie gaffer scripts a revenge on the road.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Tottenham Hotspur Lineup To Face Chelsea

Defence

None of Fraser Forster, Brandon Austin, and the winter signing Antonin Kinsky could restore stability between the sticks in the wake of Guglielmo Vicario’s absence. But the Italian custodian reclaimed the ‘number 1’ status since recovering from his ankle injury.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 08: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur has a chance saved by Robert Sanchez of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Chelsea FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 08, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Despite Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin’s injuries, Tottenham have Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven available again in the heart of the backline. Right fullback Pedro Porro has impressed with his marauding runs, pinpoint crosses, and link-up play. Also, Djed Spence, a revelation on both flanks, should get the nod over Destiny Udogie down the left. Veteran Ben Davies and the versatile teenage sensation Archie Gray could be involved from the bench as second-half substitutes.

Midfield

Postecoglou has ample options who could slot in as a deep-lying playmaker. He should opt for Rodrigo Bentancur ahead of struggling Yves Bissouma, and the Uruguayan could partner with Pape Matar Sarr even though Lucas Bergvall is expected to be available for selection.

The ‘double pivot’ of Sarr and Bentancur should allow James Maddison a free role while featuring as a ‘number 10’. Spurs have depth and quality down the wide, but they might not risk Dejan Kulusevski from the start even if the Swedish attacker is declared fit. Wilson Odobert deserves a nod following a brace against AZ in their Europa League win, and the flair and finesse of skipper Heung-min Son must be utilized from the left irrespective of his underwhelming campaign. Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson might get introduced as ‘super subs’ to inject pace and directness.

Attack

Dominic Solanke had a stop-start season due to fitness reasons. But the Englishman is likely to spearhead the attack amid doubts over Richarlison’s availability for this midweek encounter.