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Tottenham predicted starting XI at Chelsea: Japhet Tanganga returns

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur reacts to Danny Ings of Southampton scoring his sides second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 05: Japhet Tanganga of Tottenham Hotspur reacts to Danny Ings of Southampton scoring his sides second goal during the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham have a big chance to leapfrog Chelsea in the Premier League standings on Saturday. Here’s how Jose Mourinho will line Spurs up for the task.

Jose Mourinho will need to conjure up a healthy bit of magic to lift Tottenham over Chelsea on Saturday. After all, winning a crucial Premier League fixture without the services of a recognized striker is pretty difficult. Nonetheless, Spurs will fancy their chances to go to Stamford Bridge and gain all three points.

Tottenham’s attack will be a concern for Mourinho until he gets either Son Heung-Min or Harry Kane back onto the pitch. Ironically, the bigger issue this weekend may be the manager’s scattered defence. Expect to see some changes in the back line after the team’s defensive struggles against both Aston Villa and Leipzig last week.

Keeper-Hugo Lloris

Lloris has quietly been pretty spectacular since his return from injury. His skills might be put to the test in this match. Chelsea have striker issues of their own, but may look to send loads of attacking midfielders to the net on Saturday. A few key saves from Lloris may be enough to turn this match in Spurs’ favour.

Left back-Japhet Tanganga

Ben Davies‘ horrific penalty against Leipzig should put him back on the bench this weekend. Tanganga can’t offer Tottenham much going forward, but he can tuck in and be a real defensive menace. That will be quite helpful against the Blues.

Centre back-Toby Alderweireld

Alderweireld really struggled against Villa, but was better in Champions League play. He’ll retain his place in the starting XI and be counted on to trigger much of Tottenham’s play from the back. Improving his defending on set pieces would also be a welcome change for the Belgian veteran.

Centre back-Davinson Sanchez

Sanchez has the size and speed to prevent Chelsea from hitting Tottenham on the counter. Mourinho will contemplate going back to Jan Vertonghen here, but the younger, more athletic Colombian defender will ultimately get the nod.

Right back-Serge Aurier

Aurier is not a perfect right back by any stretch of the imagination. In this match, he’ll function more like a winger than a conventional fullback. Tottenham depend on his crosses to help create scoring chances when the opposition chooses to sit deep.

Midfielder-Harry Winks

Regular readers know we’re not Winks’ apologists, but he thrives in the midfield three (or in this case four) that Mourinho has used of late. He’ll never be a great defender due to his lack of size, but his industry and willing to make runs forward are useful for Spurs. He’ll be raring to go against the London rivals.

Midfielder-Dele Alli

The shift here will be to move Deli back a bit in the formation. He struggled to make a real impact further forward against Leipzig. Make no mistake though, Mourinho pulled him out of that match early with an eye towards the weekend. Dele could be the difference at Chelsea.

Midfielder-Giovani Lo Celso

Lo Celso is quickly becoming a fan favourite with Tottenham supporters. It’s easy to like his creativity and work rate on the pitch. He’s a very different player than Christian Eriksen was in the heart of the Spurs’ midfield, but he may prove to be a superior option in time.

Midfielder-Gedson Fernandes

This might be the toughest call Mourinho needs to make on Saturday. Gedson isn’t a perfect option in the midfield, but he is one of the only two-way midfielders Tottenham currently have at their disposal. His work rate makes him a good fit to play against Chelsea’s energetic midfield.

Attacker-Steven Bergwijn

If Chelsea are smart, Bergwijn will be their biggest concern heading into this match. He’s consistently created quality chances for Tottenham since arriving from PSV. A goal in this fixture could make him an instant cult hero.

Next. Son's injury has the potential to sink Spurs. dark

Attacker-Lucas Moura

Lucas’ goalless streak is a massive concern for Mourinho and his coaching staff. His inability to find the back of the net might be enough to get Erik Lamela in the starting XI sometime soon. Saturday is just a bit too quick to pull the Brazilian out of the starting lineup though. Lucas will get at least one more chance to lead the line for Spurs.

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