e-Spurs Preview: Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

Article by Johnny Murwill

After 3 games (and 3 wins) in 6 days, Spurs meet Chelsea on Saturday with a feeling of growing optimism and positivity for the season. Despite fears that new signings would take months to gel, Tottenham’s talented new recruits appear to be going from strength to strength, and the statistics from the opening 9 games of the season make for impressive reading. 9 games, 8 wins, 20 goals scored and just one conceded. While the quality of some of the opposition could be questioned, Andre Villas Boas and co. have built a squad that is well prepared for competing on all fronts.

Chelsea and Mourinho, in contrast, have not had quite the romantic reunion that many had expected. Although a victory on Saturday would put Chelsea top of the league, if only temporarily, their performances have not been convincing, and the mystery surrounding Juan Mata’s exclusion from the first 11 continues. Despite this, they have an embarrassing abundance of talent, and will undoubtedly test Tottenham’s defensive record.

While the North London Derby remains Tottenham’s ultimate grudge match, it is fair to say that this fixture contains its fair share of rivalry, bordering on loathing for some. Spurs fans will be keen on seeing last season’s 4-2 defeat avenged, while Chelsea supporters would no doubt love to return to using ‘Three Point Lane’ again. Expect an explosive match.

Possible Line-Ups

Such is the talent within the Spurs squad that our first 11 might prove tricky to pick. Danny Rose should return to the team, while question marks remain over Younes Kaboul’s fitness. Etienne Capoue and Aaron Lennon are still injured.

Lloris

Walker Dawson Vertonghen Rose

Paulinho Dembele

Lamela Eriksen Chadli

Soldado

 

Key Battles

Paulinho v Lampard

Mourinho is likely to turn to experience in such a key game, and so Frank Lampard is likely to step into Chelsea’s midfield. Against him will be Paulinho, and this game provides a perfect opportunity for the Brazilian to highlight again why he has drawn comparisons to the Chelsea legend. How the two cope with the attacking runs of the other will be decisive.

Soldado v Cahill

Under pressure from Jermain Defoe already, Roberto Soldado is still expected to start. His movement has promised much, and with Eriksen and Lamela providing creativity in recent games, Soldado needs to prove why Spurs paid £26 million for his services.

Kick-off Saturday, 28th September 12:45 (Live on BT Sport 1)

Last Season: Tottenham Hotspur 2 – 4 Chelsea

Referee: Mike Dean

Odds H 8/5 D 9/4 A 17/10

Premier League Form Guide

Tottenham Hotspur: W W L W W W

Chelsea: W L D W W W

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