Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur: Confirmed team news and Predicted XI
As a result of their loss to Manchester City in the FA Cup final, Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for European football received a significant blow. A win at Wembley would have handed them a direct spot in next season’s Europa League.
Now, as they prepare for the final two games left to play this season, the Blues’ chances of playing in Europe depend a lot on mathematical probabilities, as they are currently placed tenth in the Premier League table following a disastrous season so far.
Calum McFarlane and his men will now take on a relegation-battling Tottenham Hotspur side at Stamford Bridge tonight. As things stand, three points are a must in their aim to get into European competitions.
Chelsea Team News vs Tottenham Hotspur
Chelsea will be without quite a few of their players in the game against Tottenham Hotspur. And all of them are absentees on the wings.
Estevao, Jamie Gittens and Jesse Derry are all out and not expected to return this season. On the other hand, Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended.
Romeo Lavia also picked up a knock leading up to the FA Cup final. It is unclear whether he will be fit enough to feature against Tottenham.
Chelsea predicted XI
Formation – 3-4-2-1
ROBERT SANCHEZ: Sanchez will be keen to end this season on a high with only two games left to play following his return to the pitch against Manchester City with a Petr Cech-style protective gear.
LEVI COLWILL: After spending almost the entire season on the sidelines, Colwill has returned to the side recently, and he has not missed a step. He will most likely start tonight’s game despite McFarlane looking for a cautious approach with the Englishman.
WESLEY FOFANA: Fofana has quickly established himself as a starter under the interim manager. The Frenchman is likely to feature in the Blues’ starting XI against Spurs.
JORREL HATO: The Dutch defender has done pretty well when compared to the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile whenever he is given the chance. McFarlane will definitely not like to make changes to the back line at this point in the season.
MALO WANTS: Although it is still uncertain whether the Blues’ interim manager will bench Gusto following an unconvincing display in the cup final, given the situation, we would like to think he will retain his place.
MARC CUCURELLA: The Spanish left-back is by far the best in his position in the Blues’ squad this season. As a result, he will most likely start tonight’s game. His long-term future remains up in the air.
REECE JAMES: A fit and running James is certainly an out-and-out starter for any manager. The Englishman has been one of the few consistent performers this season despite the brief spells of injury.
MOISES CAICEDO: The Colombian midfielder has been another key part of the Chelsea squad this season although the last few games have been hardly convincing from Caicedo. Yet, we really can’t see any other defensive midfielder starting ahead of him at the moment.
ENZO FERNANDEZ: The Argentine midfielder will look to contribute to the Blues’ cause. He has done so far despite being linked with a move away from Chelsea after the end of this campaign.
COLE PALMER: The sub-par performances from the Englishman have surprised a good portion of the fanbase this season. He will definitely look to play his part during these crucial fixtures for the Blues while leading from the front. His World Cup spot is up for grabs.
LIAM DELAP: The Englishman is expected to start as the Blues’ target man tonight following Joao Pedro’s snub from Brazil’s squad for the World Cup this summer. The Brazilian did seem to struggle towards the end of his game against City and could do with a rest.
As it stands, tonight’s game is a must-win for the Blues in their quest for European football next season. But Spurs will surely not make it any easier as they are looking to stay afloat in the English top flight. So, expect a close contest between the two London rivals.
