The upcoming match between Fulham F.C. and Tottenham Hotspur is set to be a captivating encounter in the Premier League. Both teams, based in London, will clash at Craven Cottage or Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in what promises to be a significant match for both clubs’ league ambitions. As the 2024 season progresses, injuries, form, and suspensions have significantly affected both squads, resulting in changes to their expected lineups.

In this article, we will delve into the latest lineup details for both teams, taking into account player availability, tactical formations, key players, and how these factors may influence the upcoming match.

Fulham’s Lineup: How They Set Up for Tottenham

Fulham has been struggling with injuries, which has forced manager Marco Silva to make some crucial decisions regarding his starting XI. Their defensive and midfield setups are affected, but they still have enough talent to challenge Tottenham.

Goalkeeper and Defense

In goal, Bernd Leno will continue as the number one choice. Having been consistent throughout the season, Leno remains an important figure for Fulham, providing stability at the back. With Joachim Andersen sidelined due to a calf injury, Fulham’s central defense is set to feature Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey. These two will need to form a strong partnership to cope with Tottenham’s attacking threats.

At full-back, Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson are expected to retain their spots. Both have been solid defensively, with Tete providing more of a defensive presence on the right and Robinson offering pace and width down the left side. However, with Andersen missing, Diop and Bassey will be under pressure to maintain organization and stop Spurs’ attackers from exploiting space in the central areas.

Midfield and Attack

In midfield, Nicolas Lukić and Sander Berge are set to partner up, although Berge’s availability is in question due to a knock. If Berge is unavailable, Harrison Reed may step in to provide additional energy and defensive cover. This midfield setup will be crucial for Fulham, as they will need to disrupt Tottenham’s creative play and win the battle for possession in the middle of the park.

In attack, Fulham’s options include Alexander Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson, all players who have the potential to make a difference with their creativity and flair. Iwobi has been a key player since his arrival from Everton, offering both vision and technical ability in the final third. Meanwhile, Raul Jiménez will lead the line, hoping to add to his tally of goals for the season. The Mexican striker will be crucial for holding up the ball and finishing any chances created by the likes of Iwobi and Smith Rowe.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Lineup: What To Expect Against Fulham

Tottenham, under the guidance of Angelo Stellini, has a potent attacking lineup. However, injuries and suspensions have disrupted their plans for this match, especially with key figures sidelined for this London derby.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Tottenham’s defense has been hit hard by injuries, most notably the absence of Cristian Romero due to a suspension. This leaves Micky van de Ven to take on a bigger role in the center of defense. Fraser Forster will start in goal, following the injury to Guglielmo Vicario, who has been ruled out after undergoing ankle surgery​. Forster has experience in the Premier League but will have big boots to fill as the main shot-stopper. Spurs’ backline will likely consist of Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie.

Porro and Udogie have been impressive in their roles as full-backs, providing width and attacking options. Porro, in particular, has been effective in pushing forward and supplying crosses, while Udogie brings pace and a strong defensive presence. The central pairing of Dragusin and Davies will be crucial in maintaining a solid defense. Tottenham will hope to avoid Fulham exploiting their defensive vulnerabilities, especially considering the absence of Romero.

Midfield and Attack

Tottenham’s midfield will be led by James Maddison, who has been a standout performer since his arrival from Leicester City. He will be flanked by Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr in a three-man midfield. Bissouma has been a key figure for Spurs, offering stability and work rate in the middle of the pitch. Sarr, a young talent, has impressed with his energy and ability to break up play​.

In attack, Spurs have a formidable trio with Brennan Johnson, Son Heung-min, and Christopher Nkunku. Son is one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards, and he will be looking to exploit Fulham’s defensive weaknesses. Johnson offers pace and directness, while Nkunku brings creativity and intelligence to Spurs’ front line. Together, they are a dynamic force capable of breaking down even the most organized defenses.

However, Richarlison, who has been underperforming this season, is sidelined with a thigh injury, limiting Spurs’ attacking options. His absence may allow Dejan Kulusevski to make an appearance from the bench, providing further attacking depth if needed.

FAQs 

What are the confirmed lineups for Fulham vs Tottenham?

For this encounter, there are notable changes to both teams’ starting XI due to injuries and suspensions. Tottenham Hotspur will be missing key players, including goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who is out for several months after suffering an ankle injury during the victory over Manchester City. Fraser Forster will replace him in goal. The defense also has some concerns, with Cristian Romero unavailable, and Micky van de Ven and Richarlison sidelined with injuries. Tottenham will likely start with Forster in goal, with a defensive line of Pedro Porro, Dragusin, Ben Davies, and Destiny Udogie. In midfield, Yves Bissouma, Pape Matar Sarr, and James Maddison are expected to feature. The attacking trio will likely include Brennan Johnson, Christopher Nkunku, and Son Heung-min​.

For Fulham, injuries to key players such as Harrison Reed (knee) and Joachim Andersen (calf) will see Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey starting in central defense, with Kenny Tete and Antonee Robinson as full-backs. The midfield will include Sander Berge (if fit) alongside Nicolas Lukić, while the forward line will feature Alexander Iwobi, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson behind Raul Jiménez in attack​.

What are the key injuries and suspensions affecting the teams?

Tottenham is facing a significant injury crisis. Apart from Vicario, they will also be without Richarlison, Micky van de Ven, and Wilson Odobert. These absences will challenge their depth, especially in attack and defense. The suspension of Rodrigo Bentancur also limits their midfield options. Additionally, Dejan Kulusevski has been dropped to the bench, possibly due to tactical reasons or form issues​.

For Fulham, they will be without Harrison Reed and Joachim Andersen due to injuries, which weakens their defensive and midfield structure. However, the potential absence of Sander Berge remains a doubt, adding to their uncertainty in midfield. Jorge Cuenca is also sidelined with a knock​.

How do the lineups compare?

Tottenham has the upper hand in terms of attacking talent with players like Son Heung-min and the creative spark from James Maddison. However, the injuries and suspensions could affect their balance, especially in defense. Fulham, though missing several key players, has a solid defensive setup with Diop and Bassey at the back, and they will rely heavily on their offensive trio of Iwobi, Smith Rowe, and Nelson to create chances​.

What can fans expect from the match?

The lineups indicate a tactical battle between a Spurs side looking to maintain their momentum despite injuries and a Fulham team that has shown resilience in challenging matches. Tottenham’s attack will likely dominate possession, but Fulham’s defensive organization will make it difficult for Spurs to break them down easily. Given both teams’ competitive standings in the Premier League, this match promises to be a hard-fought encounter, with Tottenham perhaps slightly favored to win due to their depth and home advantage​.

In Summary

The Fulham vs Tottenham lineups reflect both teams’ tactical approaches and key absences. Tottenham, while missing some crucial players, is still expected to dominate possession, relying on their attacking depth. Fulham, with a solid defense and quick attackers, will look to disrupt Spurs’ rhythm and capitalize on set pieces or counter-attacks. The match promises to be an exciting tactical battle, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses.

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