Tottenham Hotspur will look to make it two wins in their opening two games when they host Fulham later this week.
The Lilywhites managed a 2-1 win over Newcastle United last weekend. Goals from Jan Vertonghen and Dele Alli were enough to snatch all three points against the Magpies who put in a brave performance. But Tottenham’s discipline and solidity which helped them keep hold of their slender lead until the final whistle.
Fulham, on the other hand, suffered a 2-0 defeat against Crystal Palace. Slavisa Jokanovic’s side still need some time to adapt having signed quite a few new faces in the transfer window.
Mauricio Pochettino will be without the services of a host of star players this weekend including Son Heung-Min, who is unavailable until next month as he will represent South Korea at the Asian games.
The likes of Victor Wanyama, Juan Foyth and Cameron Carter-Vickers are sidelined with injuries while the duo of Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier are both lacking match fitness.
On a positive note, however, Erik Lamela has been training and could be an option for Pochettino this weekend while Eric Dier and Lucas Moura, both of whom sustained knocks during the win over Newcastle, are also expected to be fit.
Hugo Lloris will the man between the sticks for the Lilywhites. The French international made one important save to deny Ayoze Perez in the last game but could face a tougher test against the dangerous looking Fulham attack.
Spurs’ defensive back four will remain unchanged with Davinson Sanchez and Jan Vertonghen starting as centre-backs while Serge Aurier and Ben Davies will operate as fullbacks.
Aurier, in particular, played a vital role in the last game, providing the assist for the Dele Alli goal as well as making two tackles and winning three aerials duels. His work-ethic could play a key role against the Cottagers who lack depth in the full-back department.
Following the lack of match fitness of the likes of Harry Winks and Victor Wanyama, Pochettino has limited options in midfield. We expect Mousa Dembele to start ahead of Sissoko and partner Eric Dier in midfield. The duo will be tasked with the responsibility of stopping a dangerous Fulham midfield consisting the former Nice superstar Jean-Michael Seri.
Seri attempted 93 passes during his Premier League debut last weekend and preventing him from circulating possession in midfield will be imperative for the Lilywhites.
Tottenham’s attack will be led by none other than Harry Kane, who experienced one of his bad days at the office last weekend. But, he will be keen getting off the mark in this edition of the Premier League on Saturday.
The England international will be partnered by the trio of Christian Eriksen, Lucas Moura and Dele Alli, all of whom will be tasked with the responsibility of providing necessary support to the talismanic forward.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
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