Chelsea Set to Host Tottenham as Spurs Aim for Premier League Safety
Chelsea are set to host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge in the penultimate game of a challenging Premier League season for the North London club. The match is crucial for Tottenham, as they need just one point to secure their place in the Premier League for next season.
As the Blues prepare for the clash on Tuesday night, they face uncertainty regarding the fitness of their key attacking player, Brazilian centre-forward Joao Pedro, who may not be fit to play.
Pedro Faces Doubt After Injury at Wembley
The former Brighton forward sustained a thigh injury during Chelsea’s FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City last weekend, leaving the field in the 86th minute. Despite playing for over 50 minutes after the injury occurred, suggesting it may not be too serious, Chelsea’s tight timeline for recovery remains a concern.
This situation gives caretaker manager Calum McFarlane reasons to proceed with caution regarding the 24-year-old’s potential inclusion in the lineup.
Chelsea’s Likely Lineup Against Tottenham
The Blues are anticipated to stick with their 3-4-2-1 formation, a structure that previously yielded competitive performances against top sides like Liverpool and Manchester City. This formation aligns with the tactics utilized by Xabi Alonso during his unbeaten stint at Bayer Leverkusen.
As kickoff approaches this Tuesday, Chelsea’s strategy may give a preview of how they intend to play under Alonso next season.
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez will maintain his position following his return to action over the weekend, supported by a defensive trio of Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, and Jorrel Hato. Colwill’s comeback from an ACL injury has seen him integrate smoothly back into defense.
In the wing-back positions, Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella are expected to take charge, while the reliable duo of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will continue to operate in central midfield. McFarlane faces a decision regarding the right wing-back role, with Reece James likely to start on the bench.
If James does not begin the match, Gusto will take over at right wing-back, while Neto will be positioned alongside two attacking forwards behind Liam Delap, who is likely to start as the main striker in the absence of Pedro. Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto will support Delap in creative roles.
Chelsea’s predicted lineup against Tottenham: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Delap