The Premier League is approaching the most intense period of the season and every team will be looking to position themselves to achieve their aims. Tottenham welcome Chelsea to Wembley in the eye-catching fixture of the weekend. The two teams are competing in a similar zone of the table, but the visitors remain unbeaten and will be looking to win this weekend to strengthen their title ambitions.
It has been mixed start of the season for Tottenham. They have been winning a lot of Premier League matches, but their performances haven’t been great. Meanwhile, their Champions League form is a huge worry as they look set to bow out at the group stage. They will be looking to perform a lot better over the Christmas period and a victory over unbeaten Chelsea would inject positivity into the fan-base. It could kickstart Spurs’ season.
Chelsea have been a breath of fresh air under Maurizio Sarri and there is a feeling that there is a lot more to come from the team. Last season, the Italian emerged as one of the most exciting coaches in Europe and the style of football at Stamford Bridge since his appointment has been great to watch. It has been a significant improvement from what was being witnessed under Antonio Conte. However, they have struggled to kill off matches against big teams and they will see this weekend as an opportunity to put that right. A win would be huge and make a statement of intent to the rest of the division.
Interesting stats
- Juan Foyth became the third Argentine to score for Tottenham in the Premier League before the international break.
- Chelsea have kept three clean sheets in their last five matches across all competitions.
Key Men
Kane
There has been a lot of concern over Harry Kane’s form this season. He hasn’t always been at his explosive best, with his packed schedule and injury problems having an impact on his performances. However, he remains a huge threat as shown by his contribution of six goals in the Premier League. The England international will be hoping for an improvement in front of goal as the season progresses with the 20-goal-landmark being the target yet again. Over the past two years, he has developed into a fine leader and his influence on the recent growth of the England team can’t be understated. The UEFA Nations League success will have buoyed all those involved and Kane’s decisive impact could see him return to his best. In matches against the rest of the top six, Kane will see an opportunity to impress and he will be looking to make a big impact this weekend.
Hazard
There has been a lot of debate about the Premier League’s best player, as there is every season. Eden Hazard has been a leading candidate for the position since his arrival in England and the arrival of Sarri threatens to take his game to a whole new level. Injuries have hindered his progress in recent weeks, but he will be raring to go after the international break. His contribution of seven goals and four assists underlines the threat that he poses. His consistency has been scary and if he can remain fit, this is shaping up to be his best season at Stamford Bridge. Saturday provides a great chance for him to press home his position as the league’s best player. If he is at his best, Chelsea have a great chance of victory.
Team news
Jan Vertonghen and Danny Rose are both in contention to return for the home side. Meanwhile, Mousa Dembele is expected to miss out.
Chelsea don’t have any big injury concerns. Mateo Kovacic is a doubt for the visitors, which means Ross Barkley is likely to start.
Verdict
This is going to be a good indicator of where these two sides currently are. Tottenham will be looking to assert themselves at the top of the division and deliver a performance that will concern their rival clubs. Meanwhile, Chelsea have been praised a lot this season. That said, they need to show a cutting edge that was lacking against Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United. This will be a good opportunity to send a warning out to Manchester City and announce themselves as title contenders. It is a difficult one to call, but the visitors are improving under Sarri and could be ready to record a huge victory this weekend.
Tottenham 1-2 Chelsea
