Tottenham Hotspur took a huge step towards Champions League qualification for the next season, as they took all three points from their visit to Stamford Bridge last weekend. They are now fourth in the points table, 8 points ahead of Chelsea in 5th and will look to build on this lead when they travel to Stoke City this Saturday.
The Potters, who are now under Paul Lambert, have now won just one of their last 13 league games, and are in the 19th place, 3 points away from safety. They are fresh from a loss to Arsenal last weekend and are not expected to test Spurs too much in this game. But Mauricio Pochettino will know that he cannot afford any complacency to set in and will go for the kill, in search of all three points. They can move to 3rd, depending on the result in the Merseyside derby and here is the predicted lineup Spurs might field for this tie:
Team News:
In early team news, Pochettino has just one absentee for this game in Harry Winks, who is not set to return any time soon. The manager has an otherwise healthy squad to chose from, with star striker Harry Kane also back in action.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1):
Defence:
Hugo Lloris is the undisputed no.1 for Spurs and had a decent time against the Blues other than the one error. He is expected to keep his place under the bar for this clash. Pochettino has decided not to use Toby Alderweireld anymore and has stuck with Jan Vertonghen and Davinson Sanchez, both of who are expected to keep their place in the side for this weekend.
Ben Davies was effective against Chelsea and should start at left-back while Kieran Trippier might be replaced with Serge Aurier at right-back, to add some creativity to the side.
Midfield:
Mousa Dembele has been one of the first names on the team sheet for Spurs this season. He has been one of the most consistent players for the side and is expected to start at the heart of the midfield, along with Eric Dier, who did not last the whole game at Stamford Bridge.
Attack:
Harry Kane is back to full fitness and is expected to start this game. He will lead the line, with Son Heung-Min on the left flank and Christian Eriksen on the right flank. Dele Alli bagged a brace against Chelsea and might be the danger man for Stoke in this tie.
Here is how they might line up:
