Tottenham and Wolves seek redemption from their recent defeats as both clubs aim at getting back to winning ways in the quest for European football.
Events from midweek at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium remain fresh in the minds of the Spurs fan base as they saw their side squander a narrow lead to surrender three points against Southampton. Moreover, Antonio Conte’s fiery touchline fracas towards Ralph Hasenhuttl came to bite the Italian back, who would have been disappointed at the final result.
Two pinpoint crosses off James Ward-Prowes’ foot were enough to steal the victory for Southampton, which left Tottenham reeling in their race for the top four. Conte would have been desperate to keep the pressure on fellow rivals Arsenal and take advantage of Manchester United’s draw, which he couldn’t.
Spurs still have three games in hand over fourth-placed West Ham United and will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Wolves in north London. With Arsenal not playing at the weekend, Tottenham have the chance to go level on points with their cross-town rivals and keep up the pressure for Champions League places.
Like Spurs, Wolves fans would have been left disappointed at their team’s inability to break down ten-man Arsenal at Molineux on Thursday. Gabriel’s solitary goal in the first period proved enough, although the Gunners played under tremendous pressure with a man down for nearly 20 minutes plus injury time.
A victory over the Gunners may have let Wolves leapfrog their opponents and make their case for a plausible top-four finish. Bruno Lage will have to motivate his side, polish some of the attacking movements, and take advantage of Spurs’ defensive problems, as they lock horns with another north London outfit this weekend.
Team News & Tactics
Tottenham Hotspur
There were several indications from Spurs game against Southampton on Conte’s predicted changes for the Wolves clash. The Italian’s decision to substitute Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg around the hour mark may push for new arrival Rodrigo Bentancur to make his Premier League debut in central midfield.
Kulu x Lolo ? pic.twitter.com/SZTCPfFN0U
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 11, 2022
Harry Winks could partner the former Juventus man in central midfield. Meanwhile, there are three confirmed absentees in Oliver Skipp, Japhet Tanganga and Eric Dier. Hence Ben Davies, Davinson Sanchez and Cristian Romero are likely to continue at the back.
Conte could also look to drop Emerson Royal, who was at fault for Southampton’s two late goals and provide Matt Doherty with a chance at right wing-back. Their other new arrival, Dejan Kulusevski is also in contention for a starting berth as the manager could offer the Swede the chance to impress, despite Lucas Moura’s heroics in the game against Southampton.
Harry Kane and Heung-min Son are the other candidates in the attack, thus forming the free-flowing offensive trifecta that will look to take the Wolves defence by storm this weekend.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3) – Lloris; Sanchez, Romero, Davies; Doherty, Winks, Bentancur, Reguilon; Kulusevski, Kane, Son
Wolves
Wolves have no new problems with injuries and suspensions for the Spurs clash. However, they are still missing Pedro Neto, Yerson Mosquera and Willy Boly through injuries. Lage could make slight changes to his side from the Arsenal game.
— Wolves (@Wolves) February 12, 2022
Joao Moutinho, who sat out the Arsenal loss with a calf problem, could be deemed fit, although Lage is unlikely to risk the 35-year-old so soon. Leander Dendoncker could slot in central midfield again, alongside Ruben Neves.
Marcal, who faced issues throughout the Arsenal clash, might be placed on the bench, with Nouri Ait Nouri looks likely to start at left wing-back. Nelson Semedo is the obvious option on the other flank.
With Wolves’ biggest problem this season being their productivity in front of goal, Lage could make slight changes to the front three to mitigate the issue. January arrival Chiquinho, who had a bright cameo on Thursday, could start on the right side of attack, with Raul Jimenez and Daniel Podence taking the other two spots of the front three.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3) – Jose Sa; Saiss, Coady, Kilman; Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Ait Nouri; Chiquinho, Jimenez, Podence
Key Stats
- Tottenham have scored at least 2-goals in their last 6 home games in the Premier League.
- Tottenham have conceded at least 2-goals in their last 3-games in the Premier League.
- Against Southampton, Spurs suffered their first home loss under Antonio Conte.
- Wolves have won their last 3-away matches in the Premier League.
- Wolves have won each of their last 3-away games with a 1-goal margin.
Player To Watch
Harry Kane
The England captain had an average game in midweek and will have to step up his game in order to set the tone for his side in the coming matches. He might have liked to have a telling contribution in their loss against Southampton, but the forward couldn’t impact the game much, often getting isolated in the final third.
There’s a fine line between sides such as Wolves and Tottenham securing a top-four place, and Kane could be that difference maker come the end of the campaign.
Despite a terrible start to the season and waiting for months to get his first Premier League goal, Kane, rather unsurprisingly, has 15 strikes across all competitions and looks set for another goal-laden campaign. He will have to come big against Wolves to help Spurs keep up the pressure over Arsenal, Manchester United and West Ham in the race for the top-four.
Prediction
Tottenham 1-1 Wolves
Wolves have been the second-best team in the league defensively, with only Manchester City conceding fewer goals than the Midland club. Meanwhile, Spurs have drastically improved in their attack, and the combination of these teams promises a thoroughly entertaining game on Sunday.
While both teams have eyes on top European places, Wolves will be keen to climb up the table after their midweek disappointment. Spurs have the pressure to keep up with other top-four rivals, which primes this game to end in a draw, with both sides expected to get on the scoresheet.
Tottenham 2:0
Am a real fan of tottenham we are going surprise every body at top four