Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

News

HomeNewsEnglish Premier LeagueTottenham Hotspur

Spurs predicted lineup vs Burnley: Aurier and Bale start; Dele rested

Jordan Harris

Thu 25 February 2021 20:45, UK

Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping that their Europa League win can inspire an upturn in their domestic form as they return to Premier League action this weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s men won 4-0 on Wednesday to book their place in the last 16 in Europe. However, their focus has now switched to trying to end a run of five defeats in their last six in the top flight.

But seeing off Burnley will not be easy. Only Chelsea and Manchester City have beaten Sean Dyche’s men in their last eight fixtures.

The most exciting change Mourinho may make for the game involves Gareth Bale. Bale has been much more influential in recent weeks, threatening to change the game in Sunday’s defeat to West Ham.

It seemed to be an intriguing decision to not start Bale on Wednesday. For many, that was a hint that he is in line for only his third Premier League start since returning on loan.

The other change from the West Ham loss may come at right-back. Japhet Tanganga started against the Hammers, while Matt Doherty came on at half-time.

The good news for Spurs is that they may be able to welcome Serge Aurier back from injury. Mourinho confirmed ahead of the Wolfsberger tie that he hoped to potentially have Aurier back to face the Clarets (via ).

With neither Tanganga or Doherty exactly stamping their authority on a place in the team, it may well be that Aurier – who earns £70,000-a-week, – makes an immediate return.

The other key decision centres around whether Dele Alli comes in after his outstanding display in midweek.

However, Lucas scored at the London Stadium. And Mourinho has not rushed reintroducing Dele to his plans. So perhaps the latter may return to the bench on this occasion.

With that in mind, here is how Tottenham may line up against Burnley…