Cardiff City v Tottenham Hotspur: Preview, team news, probable line-ups, and prediction | Premier League 2018-19
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a shocking defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday which has put a serious dent in their title ambitions. Mauricio Pochettino’s side now trail Liverpool by nine points and have to play out of their skins in the remaining 18 games to have any chances of challenging Liverpool and City. Manchester City's win over Southampton on Sunday has pushed Tottenham Hotspur to third in the points table.
Tottenham plays Cardiff City on the New Year's day and anything less than three points will end their title hopes. The Bluebirds, on the other hand, will have a spring in their step after securing their first away win of the Premier League season against Leicester City in the weekend.
Team news
Cardiff City have no injury concerns ahead of Tottenham fixture and have a full-strength team to pick from. Forward Kenneth Zohore is still out with a thigh injury
Tottenham Hotspur are set to be without Jan Vertonghen, Victor Wanyama, Mousa Dembele, Erik Dier, and Erik Lamela.
Probable line-ups
Cardiff City: Etheridge, Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Cunningham, Gunnarsson, Hoilett, Camarasa, Arter, Murphy, Paterson
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris, Trippier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Rose, Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen, Moura, Son, Kane.
Match facts
Cardiff won their first Premier League away game of the season last Saturday at Leicester. The Bluebirds though, have lost their last 14 Premier League matches against the ‘Big Six’.
Neil Warnock’s side has not scored against a goal against Tottenham in any of their last six matches in all competitions.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have scored in every away game they have played this season. They are also the top scorers away from home in the league.
Prediction
Mauricio Pochettino will want a response from his side after that shambolic defeat to Wolves. The Argentine said that his players lost their heads in that match and it is not often you hear him criticize his players. Cardiff City have barely been able to contain the big sides and the trend is expected to continue.
Cardiff 1-3 Tottenham