Predicted Tottenham XI vs Chelsea as Pedro Porro returns but there is a left-back crisis

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Ahead of this weekend’s London derby against Chelsea, Spurs Web has attempted to predict how Roberto De Zerbi might set up his Tottenham team.After securing their first win of the season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against Coventry City, Spurs now turn their attention back to the Premier League this weekend.This time they make the short trip to Stamford Bridge to face high-flying Chelsea for the first time this season. The Blues are in fine form, coming into Saturday’s encounter off the back of two wins, having beaten Bournemouth and Everton.For Roberto De Zerbi and his side, the aim is to build on their recent victory and continue climbing the table. The two sides have contrasting fortunes, with Spurs in 16th and Chelsea in fourth.Ahead of Saturday’s matchup, Spurs Web has attempted to predict how De Zerbi might set his team up.Credit: @thefrederikkejensen / InstagramPredicted Tottenham XI to face ChelseaGoalkeeper – Antonin Kinsky: No changes expected in goal, with Kinsky set to keep his spot.Right-back – Pedro Porro: Out injured since the Villa game, but De Zerbi has revealed Porro is set to return against Chelsea. If fit, he is expected to go straight back into the starting XI.Centre-back – Jan Paul van Hecke: Used in a hybrid role last time out, inverting into midfield and forming a back three in possession. This time, we expect him to play in a traditional centre-back role.Centre-back – Micky van de Ven: While Tosin Adarabioyo and Marcos Senesi have started in recent outings, normality should return with van de Ven partnering van Hecke.Left-back – Archie Gray: Destiny Udogie is sidelined with a knee injury, while Andy Robertson could also miss out after a knock against Coventry. That could see Gray slot in at left-back, though van de Ven could also feature there with Tosin or Senesi returning at centre-back.Centre-midfield – Sandro Tonali: Produced one of his best performances in a Spurs shirt against Coventry, making the most defensive contributions and covering plenty of ground. His fitness has improved after warm-weather training, and he should continue in midfield.Centre-midfield – Mateus Fernandes: Many Tottenham fans would love to see Fernandes in central midfield, and Saturday could be the time. Competition remains stiff, especially with Gray impressing, but Fernandes could feature as the eight.Centre-midfield – James Maddison: After his stunning opener against Coventry, Maddison is expected to start again. Spurs will need his creativity and goals.Right-wing – Mohammed Kudus: The Ghana international is finding rhythm, registering two assists in the Premier League, including Maddison’s opener last time out. He should start again.Striker – Dominic Solanke: Scored his first of the season against Manchester United and followed up with an assist for Ben Davies against Coventry. With two goal involvements in two games, he should continue at centre-forward.Left-wing – Omar Marmoush: Scored a superb curling effort against Coventry to get his Spurs career off the mark. With Savio still injured, Marmoush is expected to feature again.READ MORE: Why Tottenham’s bad stats vs Coventry prove they should be pushing for EuropeThe post Predicted Tottenham XI vs Chelsea as Pedro Porro returns but there is a left-back crisis appeared first on Spurs Web.