Tottenham Hotspur FC
Burnley FC
Burnley FC
Out of form Spurs searching for major improvements against solid Burnley
Tottenham to win 2-0
Tottenham earned a brief moment of respite from the heavy pressure they’ve come under recently by winning their Europa League tie in midweek, thus making it through to the Quarter Finals.
It was a match which saw the return to form of two of this season’s outcasts in Dele Alli and Gareth Bale, both of whom were given a new lease of life.
Back in the Premier League, Spurs have a whole load of convincing to do to prove that they can still secure a European spot for next season, amid of rank run of form consisting of just three wins in 13.
Burnley have been solid rather than spectacular of late, and look to have taken a huge step towards securing survival with five points from their last three games.
They have a poor record against Spurs, however, and will do well to earn anything here.
Form Guide (all comps): LLWLW
Reasons to be cheerful:
European wins good confidence builders
Have won five of the last six home games against Burnley
Reasons to be fearful:
Have lost five of the last six in the league
Their only victories in last eight came against the bottom two clubs
Despite two good performances in the Europa League lately, Spurs continue to largely disappointing in the Premier League, and will be bitterly disappointed with only three wins from their last 13.
It is a run which has ruled them out of the battle for a top four position, and leaves them uncertain of a place in the Europa League next season either.
Also drawing criticism has been the dire style of football which the club has played under Mourinho, though improved recently when Dele Alli and Gareth Bale were returned to the team. Could he start them here against a side who will largely sit back and defend?
Spurs have an excellent record against Burnley, having only lost twice from their last 13 meetings.
Star Man – Harry Kane
Was given a rest in midweek, and Spurs’ talisman is likely to be fit and firing here.
Form Guide (all comps): DLWDD
Reasons to be cheerful:
Unbeaten in last four in the league
Have kept six clean sheets away from home this season
Reasons to be fearful:
Poor record against Spurs
Have only scored eight goals away from home
The Clarets will be pleased at how the past month or so has gone, with the club sitting in 15th place and looking set to secure their place in the league for next season.
Earlier this month, following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City, things were certainly less rosy with the club sitting in 17th.
Here, they’ll be without Ashley Barnes who has been ruled out through injury, though the likes of Robbie Brady and Chris Wood could be in contention to start.
They have been poor in front of goal last season, shown last weekend by their inability to break down ten-man West Brom. With little to gain by playing an open game, Burnley are likely to be solid rather than spectacular here.
Star Man – Chris Wood
It would certainly be a boost if Burnley’s top scorer were fit to play.
Spurs are certainly favourites despite recent form
Harry Kane likely to score
Burnley unlikely to create too many chances
Spurs are most definitely in need of a win here.
Burnley would certainly settle for a point, but a draw does nothing for Tottenham’s chances of a top six finish at all.
The question is Jose Mourinho’s team selection – will he be more attacking by adding Gareth Bale to the line up?
Tottenham to win 2-0
