Tottenham Hotspur vs Burnley: Preview, Team News and Stats

Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley will be looking to recover from poor results during the week when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday.

Preview and Stats

Jose Mourinho suffered his first defeat as Spurs boss at former club Manchester United on Wednesday, while Burnley were comfortably beaten by Manchester City the day before.

Following three impressive victories under Mourinho, Spurs were brought back down to earth in quite typical fashion at Old Trafford.

Jose Mourinho. (Photo: Courtesy)

The injection of the Portuguese has no doubt lifted spirits following a gloomy period under Mauricio Pochettino since the Champions League final, as was seen with the free-flowing nature of how Spurs attacked against West Ham, Olympiacos and then Bournemouth.

However, when faced with a relatively equal opponent on a big stage – an occasion requiring more tactical nuance – Spurs seemed to lack ideas going forward and looked overwhelmed by United at points.

However, it remains very early days in the Mourinho era, and at this stage, the 56-year-old will be less concerned by results and more interested in cementing a particular way of attacking and defending as a unit – his key philosophy – when Spurs meet Burnley on Saturday.

While Spurs are undergoing significant changes this season, Burnley seems to be staying remarkably true to type under manager Sean Dyche.

Sean Dyche. (Photo: Courtesy)

Now in their fourth season back in the top flight, the Clarets find themselves sitting comfortably in 11th place on 18 points, with no punter even considering the possibility of relegation this season.

With very limited resources and an unswervingly consistent set of tactical principles, Dyche has created a foundation at Burnley that essentially guarantees the club a minimum of 40 points over 38 games.

Against a Spurs side desperate for a victory, Burnley players will know exactly what their plan is heading into this game in North London.

Hugo Lloris remains some way away from making a recovery after damaging elbow ligaments in October, although substitute keeper Michel Vorm could return in time for this weekend.

Team news

Erik Lamela and Ben Davies have both been ruled out with calf and ankle injuries respectively.

For Burnley, Johann Berg Gudmundsson has returned to training but will not recover in time for this clash.

Charlie Taylor and Ashley Westwood, who have thigh and groin problems, are major doubts for the weekend but have a small chance of returning.

Predicted lineups;

Tottenham Hotspur: Gazzaniga; Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Rose; Sissoko, Winks; Dele, Lo Celso, Son; Kane.

Burnley: Pope; Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters; Drinkwater, Cork, Lennon, Brady; Barnes, Wood.

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