Title contenders Tottenham Hotspur will be travelling to Stamford Bridge this Tuesday to face the struggling Chelsea side for the last time this season.
Chelsea have had some ups and downs this season, but are now getting up on their feet. A recent 1-4 win over Eddie Howe’s side Bournemouth might have gave the team a huge confidence for their next game. Tottenham, on the other hand, might have lost the title after their frustrating 1-1 draw against West Brom last time out. But, the fact that Leicester have some tough games to play might cheer Pochettino’s men and the players might give a great performance against the Blues.
The recent results of both the clubs make Tottenham the favorite side in the clash as the side have won 4 of their last 6 games and have drawn 2. Chelsea, on the other hand, have won just 2 of their last 6 games and have lost 2 and drawn twice.
The last time these 2 sides met, the game ended as a goal less draw and both the teams have to settle down with a point. A draw this time won’t be an option for Tottenham and Chelsea will be doing everything to keep the side away from their goal.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur Team News-
Chelsea will be without Thibaut Courtois as he serves the second of his two-game ban so Asmir Begovic will continue between the sticks. Kurt Zouma and Loic Remy both remain sidelined with injuries, while John Terry’s return is in doubt. Cahill, on the hand, might return for the Blues.
Tottenham will be without Dele Alli for the remainder of the season after he was handed a three-game ban for violent conduct in last week’s 1-1 draw with West Brom. Eric Dier is a doubt with concussion, while Nabil Bentaleb is definitely out.
Lineups-
Chelsea-
Begovic
Azpilicueta; Cahill; Ivanovic; Baba
Fabregas; Matic
Willian; Pedro; Hazard
Costa
Tottenham-
Lloris
Walker; Vertonghen; Alderweireld; Rose
Mason; Dembele
Lamela; Son; Eriksen
Kane
Stats-
- Chelsea have not lost a top-flight home match against Tottenham Hotspur since February 1990, winning 17 and drawing eight of their 25 meetings at Stamford Bridge since.
- Spurs have lost 25 BPL matches against Chelsea, only against Manchester United (31) have they suffered more in the competition.
- The Blues lost their last BPL home match against Manchester City – they have not lost two in a row in the competition at Stamford Bridge since November 2011.
- Spurs have lost only one of their last 10 Barclays Premier League London derbies (W5 D4 L1) and should Harry Kane score twice, he would become the eighth quickest player in BPL history to reach 50 goals (in his 84th appearance).
- Cesc Fabregas now has 95 assists in the Premier League; only Ryan Giggs (162) and Frank Lampard (102) have more in the history of the competition.
- Harry Kane is two goals away from scoring 50 Premier League goals; if he does it in this game then he’ll be the 8th quickest player to 50 goals in the competition (in his 84th app).
Tactics-
Spurs’ game is well praised due to their high pressing style where they start putting pressure on the opponent’s player in their half which allows them to cover less distance to get a goal.
Chelsea, on the other hand, relies on the midfield to get the goal. Willian and Hazard are the quick runners and can get past the defenders very easily. Rose and Walker will have a tough night and they have to be determined and concentrated.
Tottenham this season are known for taking risks as they close down the opponent in numbers and leave space at the back, Diego Costa is well aware of the fact and is the striker who can punish the opponents for the mistake.
Prediction-
Both the sides will be entering the pitch to get a positive result and will be looking to cancel each other out. An interesting game to follow and a decisive one as well. I believe Tottenham will manage to get a fair result out of the game this time.
2-3 Tottenham