Tottenham vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Team News, Prediction and more
Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham will look to get back to winning ways against arch-rivals Chelsea in the Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge. Spurs now have the opportunity to get over the Champions League loss by ensuring they take a massive step ahead in their chances of playing in the competition again next season.
Not only is this a London derby with local pride at stake but also a meeting between the master and the apprentice. Jose Mourinho will hope it’s third time lucky as he hopes to get his first win over Frank Lampard.
But even more than pride, either personal or collective, the result can have far-reaching consequences in the race for top four. Chelsea currently occupies the last Champions League qualification spot but has seen a resurgent Tottenham while away their lead to a solitary point.
A win will propel Spurs to fourth place, above Chelsea, who will drop to fifth place. Chelsea won the reverse fixture 2-0, courtesy of two Willian goals and Spurs will be keen to make amends. Let’s hope Mourinho can take advantage of the discontent at Stamford Bridge and put us ahead of the chasing pack in the race for fourth spot.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Son Heung-Min’s injury could not have come at a worse time for Tottenham. The South Korean is set to spend the foreseeable future on the sidelines after he injured his hand in the 3-2 win over Aston Villa last week. He joins Harry Kane and Moussa Sissoko on the injury list as Mourinho looks to juggle the attack without the two key players.
Erik Lamela looks likely to start off the bench while Tanguy Ndombele could replace Gedson Fernandes in the starting line-up after an impressive cameo against Leipzig.
Chelsea
In a huge setback for Lampard, N’golo Kante is ruled out after going off injured in the loss to Manchester United. Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Callum Hudson-Odoi are unlikely to feature while the likes of Tammy Abraham, Andreas Christensen, and Christian Pulisic have a chance of making it.
Reserve keeper Willy Caballero looks set to continue in goal while Oliver Giroud could replace Michy Batshayi up front after a promising showing against the Red Devils.
Predicted XI
Tottenham Hotspur
Hugo Lloris, Serge Aurier, Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld, Ben Davies, Eric Dier, Harry Winks, Lucas Moura, Giovani Lo Celso, Steven Bergwijn, Dele Alli.
Chelsea
Willy Caballero, Reece James, Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Pedro, Mason Mount, Willian, Oliver Giroud.
Players to watch
Giovani Lo Celso
With Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min out, Spurs are lacking in the goalscoring department. The impetus to create the goals, however, will fall on the shoulders of the impressive Lo Celso.
The 23-year-old was arguably the most effective Spurs attacker against Leipzig and impressed in the middle and on the right. The Argentine is also a decent threat during set-pieces and has only gotten better with more game time.
More Tottenham News
- Mourinho laments lack of options post-Leipzig humbling
- Jose Mourinho praises Giovani Lo Celso showing against Leipzig
- Jose Mourinho gives his verdict on Dele Alli sideline tantrum
Olivier Giroud
The French international impressed in a rare cameo against Manchester United. The 33-year-old replaced the poor Michy Batshuayi and added an instant impetus to the Chelsea attack. He thought he had got the Blues back into the game but instead saw the effort ruled out for offside.
With Tammy Abraham a doubt, Giroud could replace Batshuayi up front. With the likes of Reece James crossing from the flanks, the towering presence of the experienced French World Cup winner should prove a credible goal threat.
Giroud has been unhappy at the club due to his lack of playing time. His impressive performance against United will have earned him another shot to prove himself. Apart from his link-up play, Tottenham will be aware of the threat he adds in set-pieces.
