Tottenham v Chelsea: Spurs projected starting XI against the Blues

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NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Christian Eriksen of Tottenham Hotspur shoots during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur at St. James Park on August 13, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /

Attacking Midfielder-Christian Eriksen

The stylish Dane deserved the Man of the Match award against Newcastle, but I suspect he didn’t mind seeing Walker-Peters get the honours. Eriksen has his sights set on bigger prey.

Chelsea certainly qualify. Eriksen’s ability to pick out a key pass may be Tottenham’s best tool to unlock Conte’s defense. Don’t be surprised if the Blues elect to sit back and try to hit Spurs on the counter. If that happens, Eriksen will need to be at his best to create scoring chances for his teammates.

Attacking Midfielder-Dele Alli

Tottenham’s precocious midfielder showed a great deal of maturity against Newcastle. Last season, Dele would have lashed out in retaliation after getting trod on by Jonjo Shelvey. Against the Magpies, he elected to let his goal scoring do the talking.

You can be sure that Chelsea will do their best to wind Dele up too. He’ll need to keep a cool head and put 100% of his focus on his football on Sunday. If he does, he has the pace and skill to trouble Chelsea’s makeshift defense.

Attacking Midfielder-Son Heung-Min

Moussa Sissoko got the start against Newcastle and, per usual, failed to impress. Count on him being replaced to Son Heung-Min from the beginning of the match against Chelsea.

Ironically, Son will need to concern himself more with the defensive side of his game than his attacking prowess. We know he can score goals, but to beat Chelsea he needs to make sure he puts a solid defensive shift in. Both Davies and Walker-Peters will need help from their wingers all afternoon long.

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