Tottenham will be traveling to Stamford Bridge keeping the fact in mind that a draw or a defeat will end their title quest right away.
Chelsea, on the other hand, didn’t have a great season to show for, but the side will be looking to finish their campaign as high as possible. Chelsea had a positive result last time out where the side was able to thrash Bournemouth by 4 goals to one.
Tottenham, on the other hand, played a frustrating draw against a Tony Pulis’ side in their last premier league fixture. Spurs must move on even if the title is gone and must hold on to the second place ahead of the chasing pack of Arsenal and Manchester City.
Spurs suffered a major setback as two of their star players (Dier and Alli) will be missing the clash. The team will have to get down on the pitch with full confidence as they are well aware that Chelsea’s defence is the main problem for the club’s downfall this season.
Here are the 3 key on field battle that will decide the game-
Kane vs Ivanovic-
Ivanovic was considered as the strongest link in the team’s defence. The player’s form dipped very badly this season and has faced high criticism as well. He will be facing one of the best strikers in the Premier League, Harry Kane tonight.
Harry Kane has been on a great run of form this season as he is two goals away from scoring 50 Premier League goals and if he does it, then he’ll be the 8th quickest player to score 50 goals in the competition (in his 84th app). Kane has got pace and is capable of scoring the goals from distance. Ivanovic, on the other hand, cannot match the pace of the Englishman, but can beat him in the physical battles. Kane will be looking to find holes in the defence and it will be Ivanovic’s job to control the back if he wants to stop Kane from scoring.
Costa vs Alderweireld-
The Belgian has been exceptional this season. His journey from being an underdog to became a world class defender has been emphatic. Vertonghen was out injured for a long time this season and Alderweireld was the one, who kept on going.
He will be facing the ruthless striker Diego Costa. The Spanish International is known for his work rate and for his brilliant finishing. Alderweireld could be the man to stop his runs and marking him throughout the game might win the game for the Lillywhites. Chelsea have a strong midfield and the players are capable of scoring as well as setting up the goals. Diego is an intelligent striker who can find the space in the opponent’s area and can punish them for the mistake. Alderweireld have to be fit physically and mentally, if he wants to stop the striker from scoring.
Walker vs Hazard-
Until Chelsea’s last game, no one would have thought that Hazard will be on our list. The ex-PFA award winner was fantastic last season, but saw a great downfall in his form this term. He scored his first premier league goal for the Blues last weekend and gave an emphatic performance.
We all know what quality does Hazard possess. As his name goes by, he is hazardous in his speed and his techniques. He reads the game well and can shoot the ball from anywhere. He loves to cut inside the box from the flanks and that is where he needs to be stopped.
Walker is having a great season with Tottenham and only he can stop the Belgian to make his runs. Walker is physically strong, and have pace as well. He needs to track the runs of Hazard and read the movement of the team to make sure he can deny the Belgian from making an impact.