Match to be played on Saturday 11th January 2014 at 15:00. Venue: White Hart Lane, London.
Tottenham will be looking to close on a top four place when they take on Crystal Palace at home this weekend.
Spurs are coming off the back of that defeat to Arsenal in the FA Cup, which would have left everyone at the club hurting this week but it’s a chance to put another three points on the board.
Tim Sherwood has been blessed with players returning to training this week but whether he’ll make massive changes to his team is debatable. Here’s the side he may go with.
GK – Hugo Lloris
Lloris has just explained that he’s so busy around the penalty area because he likes to ‘boss’ it. This is a chance for him to do just that and he should allow the side to play a higher defensive line.
RB – Kyle Walker
Walker has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain this week but this is a chance for him to show his commitment to the club. He should be involved at both ends of the pitch.
CB – Michael Dawson
Dawson should be very determined to pick up the pieces and lead in the back four. Expect to see him cut a very busy figure as he bustles around, looking to take out any threat Palace pose.
CB – Vlad Chiriches
Chiriches should continue as Younes Kaboul and Jan Vertonghen continue their returns from injury. Spurs will be hoping for a similar performance to what he produced at Old Trafford as opposed to the Emirates last weekend.
LB – Danny Rose
Rose offers a great deal of pace down the left. He’ll be a very important player in terms of getting forward to support the midfield but he has to do his defensive job efficiently.
RM – Aaron Lennon
Erik Lamela returned to training this week but Aaron Lennon should keep his place on the right. He’s been in good form and is a quick option to have playing down the right wing.
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CM – Etienne Capoue
Capoue will probably come back into the team and provide a little bit of protection to the back four. He’s good at mopping up the player and setting up attacks and counter attacks for the team.
CM – Mousa Dembele
Dembele should slot into the other central midfield position. He’ll be the player urged to get forward but he’ll also have to keep an eye on providing some cover out on the left hand side.
LM – Christian Eriksen
Eriksen has been playing well though he’s a little wasted out on the left. Expect to see him playing centrally when Tottenham are on top and Rose is able to get forward to supply the width.
ST – Emmanuel Adebayor
The striker seems to have reacted well to a knock against Arsenal, which saw him taken off during the FA Cup defeat. He’s playing with an air of confidence so it’s important for him to try and maintain that momentum.
ST – Roberto Soldado
Soldado also picked up a slight knock against Arsenal but if he’s fit then he’ll play. He’ll be the striker urged to stick up top, occupying both central defenders and trying to make space for others.
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