Tottenham Hotspur can be trying to get again to profitable methods as their quest for a top-four end continues with the go to of Leicester Metropolis within the Premier League this afternoon.
Antonio Conte’s males have slipped in current weeks, drawing 0-0 to Brentford and shedding 1-0 to Brighton final time they had been in N17. It means arch-rivals Arsenal – who additionally play later right this moment – are two factors clear proper now.
Spurs can put the stress again on the Gunners with a useful three factors in opposition to the Foxes, however it received’t be straightforward because the Europa Convention League semi-finalists all the time pose a giant menace on their day, with gamers like James Maddison, Jamie Vardy and Youri Tielemans at Brenden Rodgers’ disposal.
This encounter may very well be received or misplaced on the flanks, the place the Italian’s system is closely reliant on the wing-backs contributing each offensively and defensively, and it is usually an space of concern in current matches, too.
Emerson Royal has struggled to adapt to English soccer for big components of the 2021/22 marketing campaign, since his transfer from FC Barcelona in the summertime, and with Matt Doherty’s season over by harm, it’s exhausting to drop him.
Ought to Conte drop Emerson vs Leicester?
However that’s certainly what Conte should do, with up-and-coming U23 starlet Marcel Lavinier ready within the wings. He’s additionally capable of utilise a Lucas Moura, Steven Bergwijn or Dejan Kulusevski within the function if want be.
The visiting Midlands outfit possess some sturdy gamers within the extensive division too – 42% of their play comes down the Brazilian’s flank, so you’ll be able to count on Harvey Barnes to be very concerned, if not Ademola Lookman.
Over the course of the marketing campaign, supporters have been left annoyed by Emerson’s performances with many describing him as a “liability“, while former Lilywhites and Actual Madrid defender Jonathan Woodgate as soon as described the 23-year-old as “horrendous“.
The £25m-rated right-back is dribbled previous a median of as soon as per sport, has been part of solely 4 clear sheets from 26 league appearances and solely wins possession again 0.2 instances per outing too, as per SofaScore, which solely emphasises his weak point and up in opposition to Barnes and co, he may very well be badly uncovered.
As such, the Italian head coach should make a daring and ruthless name to axe Emerson from his beginning XI this afternoon. He’s brief on choices however it might be a telling signal of Emerson’s potential.
AND in different information, Conte drops Oliver Skipp harm replace forward of Foxes conflict…