Premier League is back just after 2 days of action. Tottenham Hotspur after an impressive win over Brentford will now face Norwich City this weekend.
Dean Smith’s side are on a nice little 3 game unbeaten run while the North London club are unbeaten at home under the new manager Antonio Conte. Norwich will try to get out of the relegation zone and spoil the Italians impressive start to his north London managerial carrier in the 15th round at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
When & Where?
Date: Sunday, 4th December 2021
Time: 2.00 pm.
Stadium: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Match Officials
Referee: Jarred Gillett.
Assistants: Ian Hussin, Neil Davies.
Fourth official: Martin Atkinson
VAR: Peter Bankes.
Assistant VAR: Wade Smith
Team News
Christian Romero is not expected to return this year as per Conte’s assessment. Giovani Lo Celso is also not expected to start against Clarets as he will be hoping to add strength to the squad once cleared by the meds.
Antonio Conte’s trust in Sanchez even after his dismal performance against NS Mura speaks about his man-management. Davinson Sanchez had a good game, as the Bees did not create enough chances by open play. Eric Dier and Ben Davies had a good game from a defensive side, which is going to be a great plus for the Italian boss. It looks like Conte is finally confident about his squad’s capabilities, which was reflected in his post-match interview.
Norwich City, on the other hand, will miss midfielder Mathias Normann with a pelvic issue. Todd Cantwell will be available after missing Tuesday’s game due to Covid reasons. Zimmermann and Rashica are also injured with their return timed at the start of Next year. Teemu Pukki will start and will like to add goals to his tally as the Canaries have been good offensively under the new manager.
Match Analysis
Spurs boss will be looking to improve his home record against the Canaries. After an impressive win against a forceless Brentford side, Conte will not be looking to change his starting XI after his rotation policy did not quite work against a struggling NS Mura. Oliver Skipp proved his worth by putting a man of the match performance. His command over the midfield and his ability to push the ball in open spaces will be highly appreciated by the Italian tactician. Harry Kane’s non-scoring drought does not seem to be a concern as he has been dropping in deep and creating for other players. If not for Fernandez’s (Brentford Goalie) impressive saves, Kane would have added a goal or assist to his name. Antonio Conte will probably play the same starting XI as the player have seemed to understand the system.
Norwich City under Dean Smith have looked confident but are still fighting a relegation battle. There is light at the end of the tunnel at Narrow Road as the squad looks more confident. With Cantwell’s return, the attack will look to score against a confident Tottenham side. Manchester United loanee Brandon Williams had an impressive last game against Newcastle United and will hope to impress against Spurs. Dean Smith will be disappointed, as they could not get all three points against a 10 men Newcastle. He will probably use the formation (4-3-3) with Lukas Rupp replacing the doubtful Mathias Normann. Pukki who has scored as many goals as Son this season will hope to continue his goal fest and to test a determinant Lillywhites.
Key Players
Harry Kane:
English captain after his transfer saga has not been at his best in terms of scoring goals. His lack of scoring goals is not a big area of concern as the striker has been a great asset moving forward. He has struggled with only one goal in 12 Premier League matches and it will be the perfect opportunity for Kane to get back to scoring ways against Norwich, who still find themselves in the relegation zone. Harry Kane irrespective of his draught have been instrumental with his positioning with dropping deep and creating spaces for Reguilon, Son, and especially Moura. Conte will hope the English men get back to scoring and creating for his teammates as he usually does.
Teemu Pukki:
The 31-year-old striker has been exceptional for Norwich over the years. He scored 26 goals and assisted 4 which helped them win the Championship last season. He has been exceptional under Dean Smith scoring 5 goals in the league. With Cantwell back in the squad, he will be hoping to add to his goal tally. With Dean Smith in charge and Pukki among goals, Clarets will be hoping to steal points in North London.
Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur predicted lineup (3-4-2-1): Lloris, Sanchez, Dier, Davies, Reguilon, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Emerson, Son, Moura, Kane.
Norwich City predicted lineup (4-3-3): Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Williams, Gilmour, Rupp, Mclean, Sargent, Pukki, Cantwell.
