The EFL Cup Semi-Final 1 Leg-2 will feature Tottenham Hotspur taking on Chelsea on Thursday, 13th January at 01:15 AM IST. The fixture will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and hence, will be an away game for the Blues.
Tottenham already lost the first leg of the tie 0-2. Even though manager Antonio Conte seems to be getting a grip on his team, the lack of good squad depth could cause him trouble to make a comeback and challenge for a spot in the final.
Tottenham Hotspur EFL Cup form: W W W L
On the other hand, Chelsea completely dominated the previous leg with 64% possession and 19 total shots. However, Thomas Tuchel will have trouble selecting the starting-11, considering they play Manchester City in the Premier League just two days after this fixture.
Chelsea EFL Cup form: W W W W
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea: Spurs’ team news and injury updates:
The Lilywhites face a huge injury blow as Son Heung-min could miss the contest with a muscular pain in his leg. He encountered the issue after the previous leg at Stamford Bridge and can remain out until the international break. Cristian Romero will miss out once again.
Eric Dier could make a return after illness. With neither Dele Alli nor Bryan Gil impressing Conte against Morecambe, Harry Winks is likely to hold his place in the midfield.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup:
Lloris; Dier, Sanchez, Davies; Emerson, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Winks, Reguilon; Lucas, Kane
Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea: The Blues’ team news and injury updates:
The London Giants will be without Edouard Mendy who is on AFCON duty, while Thiago Silva and N’Golo Kante are doubtful due to Covid-19. Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah continue to remain unavailable due to respective injuries.
Kepa Arrizabalaga will be in goal in place of Mendy, as skipper Cesar Azpilicueta gets ready to feature after his absence due to a cramp. Saul Niguel will head back to the bench, with Jorginho and Kai Havertz expected to take their spots in the starting-11.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup:
Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Sarr; Ziyech, Jorginho, Kovacic, Alonso; Mount, Havertz; Lukaku
Our score predictions: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea (Chelsea qualify 3-1 on aggregate)
Spurs will go all out to put a big score line with a full fledged attack from the wings by Sergio Reguilon and Emerson Royal. Tuchel would want to come out of the game without fresh injury concerns and would want a slower game. Chelsea will look to neutralize the incoming pressure without rushing for an attack as a simple draw would suffice.
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