With the clash against Chelsea fast approaching, we have now put together the starting XI we would love to see Roberto De Zerbi field as Spurs continue their fight for Premier League survival.
The race for Premier League survival is set to go down to the wire, with just two points separating 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur and 18th-placed West Ham United with two games to go.
Spurs know that, at this stage of the season, any slip-up could prove costly and may well cost them their Premier League status.
The Lilywhites missed a golden opportunity to go four points clear of their relegation rivals when they drew 1-1 with Leeds United.
That result leaves everything to play for, starting with Spurs’ clash against Chelsea and West Ham’s meeting with Newcastle United.
A Tottenham victory in this round of fixtures would significantly boost their survival hopes, especially if West Ham loses, as Spurs would then guarantee their Premier League place for next season.
However, a loss at Stamford Bridge combined with a West Ham win would see Tottenham drop into the relegation places, while a draw against the Blues and a West Ham victory would leave the two sides level on points.
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With Tottenham in desperate need of a result, we have put together the starting XI we want Roberto De Zerbi to deploy at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham XI we want to see against Chelsea
Starting from the back, we do not want to see any changes to the defensive unit that Roberto De Zerbi has deployed over the last few games.
Antonin Kinsky has been excellent for Tottenham, and given the saves he made to help Spurs secure a point against Leeds United, it is difficult to see him being dropped.
Guglielmo Vicario could well return, but even then, we would rather see Kinsky keep his place for this encounter. Lining up in front of him, we would go with Pedro Porro, Micky van de Ven, Kevin Danso and Destiny Udogie.
The backline, while still capable of being exposed at times, remains De Zerbi’s best available option, and there is not really anyone else who improves what he already has.
Spurs have also conceded just four goals in their last four Premier League matches. Shielding the defence, we would stick with the Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha partnership that has looked class over the last two games.
Bentancur brings much-needed calm and composure in midfield, while Palhinha adds tenacity and duel-winning ability. Chelsea has technically gifted players in midfield, which makes it vital for Palhinha to anchor the middle of the park.
James Maddison must start for Spurs against Chelsea
Further up the pitch, we would want to see a front four of Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Mathys Tel and Richarlison.
Gallagher gives Tottenham aggression in their pressing high up the pitch, and that could prove vital against a Chelsea defence capable of making mistakes.
The Englishman’s energy is crucial for Spurs, particularly with the way he drops back to provide extra midfield cover after joining attacks further forward.
However, the big change for us would be Roberto De Zerbi dropping Randal Kolo Muani for Maddison. Kolo Muani has occupied the right-wing role in the last four games, while Maddison is not a natural right winger.
We would like to see De Zerbi tweak things slightly by deploying him in a more central role, similar to how Xavi Simons operated from the left before his ACL injury.
Maddison could help Tottenham start the game on the front foot, even if he can only play 45 minutes, rather than introducing him off the bench for the final half-hour. Kolo Muani may also have more joy later in the game against tired legs.