HomeTeams - PLChelseaChelsea v Tottenham Preview | Team News, Key Men & Stats

Chelsea v Tottenham Preview | Team News, Key Men & Stats

In what has been a highly entertaining London derby over the years, this weekend’s match between Chelsea and Tottenham could seal the end of Spurs’ chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

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Chelsea sit top of the league – albeit having played 2 more games than Manchester City who are 6 points behind – and are set to go into the final two months of the season with full momentum. Currently on a run of 16 games unbeaten in all competitions, Chelsea have consistently managed to pick up points even if they haven’t played to their full capabilities – as well as having a good record against the top 7. This will give Chelsea fans confidence with big games against Liverpool and Arsenal that follow the game on Saturday evening versus Tottenham.

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Tottenham on the other hand could see their top 4 aspirations end this weekend with a defeat. With the great form of the sides currently residing in the qualifying spots for the Champions League, the hope of catching up what could effectively be 9 points – Manchester City currently hold the fourth spot – seems a very difficult task with only 9 games remaining.

Key Players

Eden Hazard

During Chelsea’s more lacklustre performances this season Eden Hazard has stepped up to inspire his team to victory. His direct running and dribbling has seen Hazard create 78 chances – the most in the Premier League – assist 7 goals, alongside being Chelsea’s top goalscorer (12) with an impressive conversation rate of 29%. Hazard’s hard-working attitude has also seen make the most ground duels for Chelsea (201).

Sandro

Having an enforcer in midfielder to protect his backline is important in a match of this magnitude. Tottenham have a very capable player in their ranks to do this: Sandro.

The Brazilian midfielder has suffered with injuries recently and his presence has been missed – last season Sandro won 47 tackles and made 194 ground duels in the league. If Sherwood stays with a lone striker system like he has done previously, Sandro’s quality will be even more valuable for Spurs.

Interesting Statistics

  • Chelsea have won the most games (19) and lost the least games (3) in the league this season.
  • Tottenham have failed to win at Stamford Bridge in the league since the Premier League was formed; although they have drawn on their last two trips.
  • Before Tottenham’s defeat to Norwich a fortnight ago, they had gone 7 games without defeat.

Team News

Chelsea have no new injury concerns with van Ginkel a long-term injury absentee.

Tottenham have 8 injury concerns heading into the weekend, with 3 having a chance of being available – Eriksen, Kaboul and Walker. Lamela, Rose, Capoue, and Chiriches are out set to miss out though.

Prediction

Mourinho’s record in big games has helped him win trophies throughout his career, which is a contrast to Sherwood’s managerial record, despite being short, with Tottenham lacking the extra quality against the top teams – the Manchester United match aside. With this in mind, and Chelsea’s record at Stamford Bridge, the team at the top of the table will run out victors over Spurs yet again.

Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0

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