The Tottenham Lineup That Should Start Against Chelsea

Jose Mourinho's second season at Tottenham is well underway and his side is firmly in the mix at the top end of the Premier League - he couldn't do it in his second season at a club again could he?

If the Portuguese tactician does harbour genuine hopes of a title tilt, fixtures like this weekend's trip to fellow high-flyers Chelsea will no doubt prove crucial.

Having played as recently as Thursday in the Europa League, Mourinho has more than his fair share of selection headaches to contend with, and there'll be wholesale changes to the starting XI which prevailed against Ludogorets.

Let's take a look at how we expect Spurs to line up for their massive clash at Stamford Bridge.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Matt Doherty should return for Spurs / Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images

Hugo Lloris (GK): Rested in midweek as Joe Hart was afforded a rare runout against Ludogorets. An impressive three clean sheets in his previous four Premier League games but will not doubt be tested to the max by Chelsea's frontline.

Matt Doherty (RB): Having endured a period of self-isolation following a positive coronavirus test, Doherty is back in contention. Despite playing in midweek he's likely to be given the nod ahead of Serge Aurier as Spurs look to combat Chelsea's attacking threat from the wings.

Joe Rodon (CB): With Toby Alderweireld sidelined with a muscle injury and Davinson Sanchez playing the full 90 minutes in midweek, Joe Rodon is expected to be handed his maiden Premier League start. Talk about being thrown in at the deep end.

Eric Dier (CB): Seems to be Mourinho's number one centre-back this season and has started to look a lot more solid given time under the Portuguese boss' stewardship.

Sergio Reguilon (LB): Already looking like an astute acquisition. Will need to be at his best against the menacing Hakim Ziyech but will be hoping to cause the Chelsea left side some problems of their own.

2. Midfielders

Ndombele has really started to flourish in Tottenham's midfield / Ashley Western/MB Media/Getty Images

Moussa Sissoko (CM): Far from the midfielder Spurs thought they were buying back in 2016 but by no means any less integral to this Mourinho side. Provides power and mobility and could be key as his side looks to win the midfield battle.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (CM): Hardly a marquee arrival but has settled in brilliantly. The sort of player every good Mourinho team has at its heart and is doing the dirty work so others can showcase their talents.

Tanguy Ndombele (CM): Quite the opposite to Hojbjerg in terms of time taken to settle in. Endured some well-documented teething problems in his first season at the club following his big-money move, but is beginning to flourish and can be a real asset to this Spurs team.

3. Forwards

Kane and Son will be key to Spurs' chances of success at Chelsea / NEIL HALL/Getty Images

Steven Bergwijn (RW): With Gareth Bale and Lucas Moura both utilised from the off against Ludogorets on Thursday, the Dutchman is likely to retain his place in Spurs' Premier League starting XI.

Harry Kane (ST): Another of Spurs' key men who was rested for the midweek Europa League commitments. Has been in scintillating form this season and will provide Chelsea's new-look backline their biggest test yet.

Heung-min Son (LW): Only Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin has bagged more Premier League goals than Son this year and his linkup play with Kane is one of the main reasons Spurs are bring viewed as genuine title contenders. If he can isolate the ageing Thiago Silva Spurs could be in business.