It’ll be over two weeks since Spurs last played when they kick off against Burnley at Turf Moor. Our last game, a 4-3 win over Leicester showcased Harry Kane’s continuing rise but also our incredibly vulnerable defence. Nacer Chadli this week described our final 8 games as ‘8 finals’ and although a Champions League spot looks next to impossible, a strong finish to the season for Spurs can only do us good going into the next campaign.
In Burnley, we face opposition who are in a relegation dogfight, but certainly don’t look as doomed as our last opponents Leicester. Burnley will fight to the last for a place in this league next season and despite a loss against Southampton last time out, the last time they played at Turf Moor they defeated champions Manchester City 1-0, enforcing the point they should not be taken lightly. Spurs will need to be ready for a battle. Here is the team news and predicted line-up.
Team News:
The injury Hugo Lloris suffered against Leicester last time out keeps him out, whilst the only other doubt is Roberto Soldado.
Predicted Line-Up (4-2-3-1):
Goalkeeper- Michel Vorm
After the injury suffered by Lloris against Leicester, Vorm will come in and take his place in the starting line up. Hugo is a huge miss and Vorm has looked shaky when he has played recently, but he will be hoping to prove his is more than able to help the team to victory when called upon this weekend.
Defenders- Kyle Walker, Eric Dier, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose
Walker- He has had his fair share of criticism lately, but his confidence can only hand risen after keeping his place in the England squad. Walker needs to work hard and begin to show form as the season comes to a close, hopefully starting with a positive performance on Sunday.
Eric Dier- Still young, still learning the game, but will be the best option to cope with a very mobile Danny Ings.
Jan Vertonghen- Both he and Dier will have to keeping a close eye on Ings, who may be looking to impress possible future employers. Jan has been our main CB for some time and will continue on Sunday.
Danny Rose- An incredible season has been recognised with an England call up for Danny Rose and despite having to drop out of the squad due to injury, it still shows that his progress is finally starting to be recognised by not just Spurs fans. Has improved his game no end since the signing of Ben Davies, and will keep the Welshman out again this Sunday for sure.
Midfielders- Ryan Mason, Nabil Bentaleb
Ryan Mason- Mason is another player who had his superb season recognised with an England call up. He assisted the screamer scored by Andros Townsend and his confidence will be sky high going into this one. His tough tackling and energetic style will be needed in the middle of the park.
Nabil Bentaleb- Cool, calm and composed. The Algerian will be hoping to keep things ticking over on Sunday. A superb season, his place in the team assured.
Attackers- Andros Townsend, Christian Eriksen, Nacer Chadli
Andros Townsend- Considering both he and Lamela haven’t had the best of seasons, I would imagine Pochettino will start with Andros after his stunning goal midweek. He will be hoping his confidence will have shot up with (yet another) goal for England. If he could replicate his England form at club level , Andros would be some prospect. Hopefully it all starts on Sunday.
Christian Eriksen- After a landmark week for Denmark, Eriksen will be hoping to get back to his best at club level. He’s entered a bit of a quiet patch since his stunning form from November to January, and he will be hoping to get back to his best and start scoring and creating again. Our most creative player, will be hoping to be the difference maker against Sean Dyches men.
Nacer Chadli- Another man who has suffered a mild lapse in form, although after the unfortunate death of his father, it is understandable that Nacer may have lost a step a recent weeks. On his day however, he is a very dangerous player, as we have seen against the likes of Chelsea this season. He will be hoping to get at Burnley’s back line.
Striker- Harry Kane
Harry Kane- After taking only 79 seconds to score on his England debut, Harry Kane’s confidence will have gone up another level (if that’s even possible). Kane is in the form of his life and would be feeling confident against any back line in the world right now. Obviously our main threat, and one that Burnley will have spent some time working out how to contain. Many have tried. A lot have failed.
