please log in to view this image Wednesday 5th January 7.45pm League Cup Semi-Final First Leg Stamford Bridge Some muttering about both sides have covid cases, but nothing confirmed so far. Bergwijn, Romero and Sessegnon are still out, but Sessegnon may return for the weekend. Lineups for each side's last league game: Spurs: Lloris; Sanchez, Dier, Davies; Royal, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Reguilon; Moura, Kane, Son. Subs: Gollini, Doherty, Rodon, Tanganga, Winks, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Alli, Gil. League form: WWDWDW. Chelsea: Mendy; Rudiger, Silva, Chalobah; Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Alonso; Havertz, Pulisic, Mount. Subs: Kepa, Sarr, Jorginho, Niguez, Barkley, Hall, Vale, Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi. League form: WDDWDD. Ref: Craig Pawson. VAR: Jarred Gillett (AUS). TV: Sky Sports. How would you like to line up for this one?
There's rumours that Dier is one of our players being tested for Covid, so there's a chance Rodon gets a start in this one
I think we’ll go strong for this with an eye on Morecambe up next. Rumours that Chelsea might rest players but it’s a home cup game against us, making significant changes is a hard sell for them and whoever plays will surely be bang up for it. But I’d expect us to go as strong as we can, injuries/Covid allowing. Perhaps Winks will get a start but he’s been in good form recently (especially compared to Højbjerg) so that might not actually make us weaker.
I am curious to see a Winks/Skipp pivot in action, given Winksy is starting to be played in his actual role for the first time since 2018
Will be interesting to see how Conte deals with the SFs, given that the PL games against the Goons and Chelsky are ostensibly far higher priority this month. Squad rotation is important, but getting spanked in one or both games could be demoralising. I suspect looking at the League Cup tie against Chelsky last season will be a good indicator as to what the starting XIs will look like for both teams.
Romelu Lukaku has apologised and will return to the Chelsea squad for Wednesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Tottenham, manager Thomas Tuchel says.
Will be a good reality check tbh. January will tell us where spurs are going as we have : 1. Two legged semi final v Chelsea 2. League game v Arsenal 3. League game v Chelsea 4. 3rd and hopefully 4th round FA Cup games. 5. The January Transfer Window.
For sure. The big games come thick and fast this month. Lots of tests for Conte, the players, and the club management.
The underwater cave will be open from lunch time tomorrow. Patrons are asked to take a lateral flow test before arrival and to wear a mask during the game. This will help prevent the spread of covid and spillage of tears.
I think its a dead cert that Lukaku will score the winner tonight. We need at least a draw to be in with any chance, but I can see us losing by the odd goal tonight.
He'll want two 0-0 draws at worst then (so he can leave with an N consecutive game unbeaten record, "clean sheet" results etc) .
In his pre-game presser, he wasn't holding back. No weasel words and no excuses...he's here to win... "I think that for Tottenham to bring me here, [the club] wanted to send a signal [to the] outside and maybe also to our players. Now we’ll see what happens because after taking [on] the coach that is used to winning, then you have to do.” Levy's been lauded in the media for showing ambition, the fans have stopped booing and Kane's not sulking anymore. Everyone's happy, but...the message is crystal clear...
