Having taken just four points from their last three league games, Tottenham Hotspur have now given Antonio Conte’s Chelsea a sniff of a place in the top 4 of the points table this season. They need at least four points to qualify for the Champions League next season and will believe that they can get three of them on their trip to Hawthorns this weekend.
The Baggies, who have now won two of their last three games, beat Newcastle United away from home last weekend but cannot afford to drop even a single point in their last two leagues outings, to give them a shot at retaining their top-flight status. Mauricio Pochettino’s side can end their hopes and cement their place in the top-4 with a win this game and here is the predicted lineup he the manager might field for this tie:
Team News
In early team news, Harry Winks is the only player ruled out entirely out of this game. He is out for the rest of the season as well but both Danny Rose and Mousa Dembele are struggling with niggles and will undergo late fitness tests before the game.
Rose, struggling from a groin strain is doubtful while Pochettino is positive about Dembele’s chances in this game.
Expected lineup (4-2-3-1)
Defence
Hugo Lloris has not been as consistent as his side would have wanted but remains the undisputed no.1 for Spurs. He will start under the bar with Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen helping him out in the Centre-back roles. Both players need to be aware of the danger posed by Rondon and Rodriguez in this game.
With Rose doubtful, Ben Davies will start at left-back while Serge Aurier could replace Kieran Trippier at right-back, adding some creativity to the side.
Midfield
Dembele is not fully fit and might not be risked for this tie. This will see Eric Dier play alongside Victor Wanyama, giving Tottenham Hotspur a solid midfield and West Brom a huge problem in the middle of the park.
Attack
Harry Kane scored the second for Spurs against Watford and will look to keep up his goalscoring form this weekend. He will be helped by Dele Alli, who will start in the no.10 role. Christian Eriksen is one of the first names on the team sheet and the Dane should keep his place on the right flank while Son Heung-Min might be replaced with Lucas Moura, adding a different dimension to the attack.
Here is how they might line up:
