Chelsea will face Tottenham Hotspur in the second leg of the Carabao Cup Semifinal at Stamford Bridge on Thursday. The Blues are already behind in this tie with a penalty goal scored by Harry Kane in the first leg at the Wembley. However, the Blues can still turn around the result in their favour at Stamford Bridge.
Team News :
Chelsea :
The Blues are going to take this match seriously as it will give them a chance to play in the Final of a big tournament first time under the management of Maurizio Sarri. So, the manager of Chelsea, Maurizio Sarri is not going to make much changes in his Starting lineup in this match. Though, some players’ performance are really questionable in this season for the Blues.
Marcos Alonso is one of the player who is not performing at his best in this season. His crosses have been dried up. There has also been a doubt over his defensive qualities; but after first few matches in this season, his attacking qualities are also under question mark. The Blues have another left back in their squad. Emerson Palmieri tried to give his level best whenever he got his chance under the management of Maurizio Sarri.
However, Maurizio Sarri kept his faith in Marcos Alonso in all Premier League matches so far despite not performing well in recent times. Andreas Christensen is frustrated after not getting enough chances in the first team of Chelsea in this season. The Danish defender showed lack of professionalism during the match against Arsenal. He went to the tunnel 15 minutes before the end of the match as all three substitutions were used by Maurizio Sarri at that point of time. So, it is very much clear that the atmosphere of the dressing room of the Blues is not in a very healthy state. Though a win against their London rivals in this Semifinal will suddenly uplift their confidence level a bit.
Olivier Giroud is in contention to start in this match as Eden Hazard failed to make any impact as false nine in the match against the Gunners. Chelsea are going to announce the signing of Gonzalo Higuain after the end of the match against Tottenham Hotspur. So, the star Argentine centre forward will not be available for this match.
Tottenham Hotspur :
Tottenham Hotspur have several injury problems coming into this match. Harry Kane will be out of contention with a knee injury. Dele Alli has also been ruled out of the equation with a hamstring injury. Son Heung Min is currently playing for South Korea in the Asia Cup. On the other hand, Lucas Moura is quickly approaching full fitness and he might be in the squad of Tottenham Hotspur against Chelsea in this match.
Predicted Starting Eleven :
Chelsea :(4-3-3)
Goalkeeper : Arrizabalaga
Defenders : Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso.
Midfielders : Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic
Attackers : Pedro, Giroud, Hazard.
Tottenham Hotspur : (3-4-3)
Goalkeeper : Lloris
Defenders : Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen.
Midfielders : Trippier, Dier, Winks, Davies.
Attackers : Eriksen, Lamela, Llorente.
My Predicted Scoreline :
Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
