Tottenham host table toppers Chelsea at White Hart Lane on the 1st of January. The London rivals meet again in less than a month, Chelsea being victorious in the previous match thrashing the Spurs 3-0 despite of their newest striker Diego Costa’s absence.
The Blues drew their previous match against Southampton with a goal for each side. Spurs on the other hand held Manchester United to a goal-less draw at White Hart Lane. Both the teams will be looking forward to bag 3 points on the first day of the year and keep their confidence high.
White Hart Lane is proving to be a difficult venue to play at for the guests, Spurs being unbeaten in their last 6 games, conceding a mere 2 goals. The Portuguese boss, Jose, will desperately be looking for a win over Tottenham to be on the top, with Manchester City playing Sunderland tomorrow, only hoping for a draw or less.
Team News :
Chelsea’s Diego Costa is fit now and has netted a goal in each of his previous games. He’ll be looking forward to start the New Year with stingy form, and ruin the party for the Spurs. Mourinho does not have any other serious injury issues.
Nabil Bentaleb has not been playing due to illness but will be assessed before kickoff tomorrow. Erik Lamela could possibly return to the starting line-up, and Harry Kane is most likely to lead the side having done well in the previous matches.
Key Battles :
Harry Kane vs John Terry
Kane has proven to be a very productive striker for the Spurs, already into double digits for this season. His ability to move with the ball and being at the right place at the right time to score goals might even win them the game. On the other hand, Chelsea’s current defence is undoubtedly the best in the Premier League. Terry not being as fast as the 21 year old, he can still hold him up with Gary Cahill on his side. This will be one interesting a battle.
Christian Eriksen vs Eden Hazard
Eriksen has proved to be their most beneficial signing after Gareth Bale leaving. He is one of the top scorers for the Spurs and can befool the Chelsea defence by his playmaking techniques. Having excelled under Pochettino, he’ll be looking forward to play a key role for the Spurs tomorrow.
Hazard is the best player the Blues possess, his agility and low centre of gravity help him make the defenders look like fools. The past two months have proved to be very critical for him, his performance showing why he’s the best Chelsea have.
Courtois vs Lloris
The Belgian keeper, Courtois, has been pleasing football fans with his highly impressive performance for Athletico Madrid last season. He is one of the few keepers of his age who are successfully able to catch the ball rather than punch it when those penetrating crosses come in.
Lloris is one big reason for why the Spurs are where they are, he is in top form. Against the Red Devils, he won the team the point. He made astonishing saved against the fearsome United attack. He will play a key role in tomorrow’s match.
Opta Stats :
- Chelsea have been victorious in 55 games against the Spurs, losing 43 and 34 ending as a draw.
- Chelsea have lost only one of their last 17 Premier League London derbies
- Chelsea and Spurs both have won most points from losing positions
in the Premier League this season.
Possible line-ups :
Tottenham : (4-2-3-1) : Lloris; Walker, Fazio, Vertonghen, Davies; Mason, Benteleb; Lamela, Eriksen, Chadli; Kane
Chelsea : (4-2-3-1) : Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Fabregas, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Hazard; Costa
Prediction :
With the rock solid defence and the top form attack that they have, Chelsea might just take the game away from Tottenham.