Spurs under 23’s versus Chelsea: (match preview)

(This photograph is from Tottenham Hotspur FC).

After suffering there first defeat of the PL2 season to Derby County last Friday, Wayne Burnett’s under 23 side will be hoping to return to winning ways when they face London rivals Chelsea at the EBB stadium this Friday evening. Chelsea who are managed by Andy Myers have started the season well, accumulating seven points from their opening three league matches and the ‘ Blues ‘ have always been somewhat of a nemesis for Spurs at this level although, having said that we did draw our two league games with them last season, 1-1. Chelsea have lots of very talented players on their books, players that the Spurs lads will have to be wary of on Friday evening. Technically gifted Scottish midfielder Billy Gilmour is one of those players, while another is physical former Ipswich Town schoolboy and centre forward Charlie Brown. Some other players to look out for are right back Tariq Lamptey and speedy winger Juan Famillo-Castillo. Chelsea like to play a possession based game and they will look to make life difficult for Wayne Burnett’s side who, love to push forward. Spurs will once again be missing a number of players due to injuries with J’Neil Bennett, Dennis Cirkin and Maxwell Statham just some of those who will miss out on Friday evenings game. I would like to wish Wayne Burnett’s side all the very best of luck for this important London derby.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Austin, Hinds, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, White, Maghoma, Bowden, Markanday, Shashoua, Tracey, Parrott.

Subs from: Oluwayemi, Okedina, Dinzeyi, Oakley-Boothe, Richards. 

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi, Dennis Cirkin, Maxwell Statham.

Doubtful: Elliot Thorpe, Jamie Bowden.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: 1-1.

My one to watch: The ‘ Blues ‘ technically very gifted central midfielder Billy Gilmour. The Scotland under 21 international is a player to look out for on Friday evening as he can change a game with a single pass. The former Glasgow Rangers schoolboy has impressive off the ball movement and good 

vision for a pass, allowing him to dictate play from deep. He is also an aggressive midfielder.