The possibility of Harry Kane playing at Stamford Bridge this weekend is still open. He was injured in Tottenham's 4-1 win over Bournemouth in the 30th round of the Premier League.
However, according to statistics and comments from Sky Sports, in these striker's absences from the Premier League since the 2016-2017 season, Tottenham's goalscoring ratio is even better: 2.3 goals/match compared to 2.1 goals/match.
The number of shots is also better, even though the number of crosses (or corners) and touches in the opponent's penalty area are not equal.
Son Heung-min will often be coach Pochettino's choice for the top spot in the "Rooster" attack once Kane is absent. The Korean player is currently in impressive form, having scored 4 goals in the last 2 matches in the Premier League.
In terms of tactical diagram, 4-2-3-1 is the diagram Tottenham started the most times in the Premier League this season. However, it is not ruled out the possibility that they will play with a 4-3-2-1 formation like in the first leg against Chelsea.
In case of using a 4-2-3-1 formation, Erik Lamela will be suitable to fill the position Son Heung-min left in midfield. When Kane was injured at Vitality, Lamela was the one who came on to replace him to carry out this wish. Of course, playing alongside him in Spurs' attack will be Alli, Son and Eriksen.
However, if coach Pochettino chooses a 4-3-2-1 formation like in the first leg against Chelsea this season, Lamela will not have a chance in the starting lineup. Playing right above the quartet will be Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama and Moussa Dembele. Alli and Eriksen will support Son Heung-min in attack.
If we look at Tottenham's games without the services of Harry Kane before, they are often more successful in applying this 4-3-2-1 formation. The "Roosters" will attack, forcing their opponents to retreat deep to defend.
Looking back at the first leg between Tottenham and Chelsea at Wembley, the home team has applied this style of play. The only difference was that Kane played instead of Son Heung-min. They attack and control the game, surpassing the away team in all attack parameters.
In the context of accepting to play deep, The Blues' defense stood firm, creating the premise for them to reach a 2-1 victory thanks to a double from Marcos Alonso.
For the past 28 years, Tottenham have never won at Stamford Bridge in the top flight of English football. If they can break this streak, Coach Pochettino and his team will directly push revenge back a long way in the race to the top 4 of the Premier League.
The match between Chelsea and Tottenham in round 32 of the Premier League will take place at 10:00 p.m. on April 1, Vietnam time at Stamford Bridge.
