After an international break notable for the England debuts of Harry Kane and Ryan Mason, the focus turns back to the Premier League and Spurs’ Sunday lunchtime visit to Burnley.
Sean Dyche’s side are fighting for their Premier League survival and currently sit 18th with 25 points, one away from safety. They have only recorded one win in the last nine league games, however that was against second placed Manchester City. Taking into account the poor form of those around them and a relatively easy run in, the Lancashire side still have a reasonable chance of retaining their Premier League status.
We beat the clarets 2-1 in this season’s meeting at White Hart Lane.
Burnley tactics
The statistics don’t hint at a particularly sophisticated side.
Sean Dyche normally goes with a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1.
Burnley have had the second lowest possession in the league (42.6%) with a similarly poor pass success rate.
They top the league for long balls and don’t make many tackles (18th). However they are strong in the air – third for aerial duels won.
They are fairly average for shots taken (13th) – though they have struggled to convert those opportunities – while they sit 17th for shots conceded, pointing to a vulnerable defence.
They are the most right sided team in the league, with 42% of their attack coming down this side (rather than centrally or on the left). Spurs’ left side will have to be strong.
Odds
Tottenham are favourites at 2.24, the draw is at 3.65, while a Burnley win is at 3.5
Team News
Hugo Lloris has been ruled out after his collision with Walker in the game against Leicester. Soldado and Rose are doubts with a knee problem and a hamstring injury respectively.
Spurs Team
The big problem with Spurs of late has been the defence. The 4-3 win against Leicester last time out, while exciting, demonstrated our vulnerability at the back. I would like to see Pochettino make some changes to try to address this issue.
Firstly, I would bring in a proper defensive midfielder to help out Bentaleb and Mason. I think Stambouli deserves a chance here.
Secondly, I would put Fazio in to partner Vertonghen. The big Argentine can help withstand Burnley’s aerial challenge and add a bit of experience and leadership to a creaking backline.
Prediction: Burnley 0 Spurs 2
For some more advanced stats on the current Premier League – see:
Follow me on Twitter: @ABPSpurs
Do you think Spurs will beat Burnley? Should Pochettino change the team? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Anything But Penalties 
Spot on about Fazio. I think his inclusion will help solidify our defense a bit more. Nothing against Dyer.
Instead of Stambouli, i would actually like Dembele. Let the Belgian be in charge of linking defense and attack while Bentaleb and Mason focus on tracking runs and defending.
You said it well, Burnley constantly attack on the right, so Walker will need all the help he needs. That being said, though he scored a wonder goal during the week, i would rather prefer Lamela back in the starting line-up instead of Townsend.
I would go with Lamela too. Let’s hope we look a bit more solid than last time out.
Stambouli for sure! Good shout. So good at keeping the ball. I would start a midfield trio of Bentaleb Stambouli and Mason today, with Mason the furthest forward of the three, he should be full of confidence and running after making his England debut so why not give him a chance to get involved in more of the attacking play. We will need to work hard against a desperate Burnley side and although Eriksen does plenty of running, I like Mason’s physicality and think with that core we should be better able to dominate.
Eriksen off the bench after 60 mins Kane, Chadli and Lamela up top, lets go Spurs.
lol, did i just watch a pre-season game?
Pretty uninspiring.
Pingback: Burnley 0 Spurs 0 – a drab draw as Spurs season starts to peter out | Anything But Penalties