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Chelsea v Tottenham: Projected Spurs starting XI

By Rucker Haringey

ENFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the clubs' training ground on November 24, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
ENFIELD, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: Jan Vertonghen of Tottenham Hotspur during a training session at the clubs' training ground on November 24, 2016 in Enfield, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 19: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on November 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 19: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United at White Hart Lane on November 19, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Tottenham Hotspur FC/Tottenham Hotspur FC via Getty Images) /

The Attacking Midfield

Tottenham simply must get more performance out of this group. Much attention has been paid to the lack of goals from Spurs strikers, but the bigger issue has been the lack of offensive contributions from the attacking midfield trio.

Unfortunately, Erik Lamela is going to miss the match due to injury. He may not be every Spurs fan’s cup of tea, but it’s hard to argue that he provides the club some serious work rate. The Argentinian has been sorely missed in his injury absence.

If fit, Dele Alli almost has to start the match as Pochettino’s number ten. Even in his diminished state as of late, he’s capable of moments of brilliance out of nowhere. He’s the type of unique talent that can win a match on his own. A moment of two of real attacking flair could power Spurs to a crucial victory.

On one flank, Christian Eriksen should get a chance to return to his manager’s good graces. The talented Dane is still looking for his first Premier League goal of the season. Saturday would be a great time for him to rediscover his top form.

The other flank will see Son Heung-Min return to the starting XI. He was a hero against West Ham after keying two goals after his appearance as a substitute late in the match. On the other hand, he followed up his excellent Premier League appearance with an absolute clunker against Monaco. Perhaps he only plays well every other match. That would be enough to make him a positive contributor against Conte’s men.

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