Spurs vs Chelsea: Match Preview

Introduction

Two of London’s finest, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea haven’t been in the finest of form lately. Spurs are winless in their last two, losing against Liverpool and then Brighton at the weekend. Thomas Tuchel picked up his first win in charge of The Blues against Burnley. However, his side has won just two out of their last five games. Spurs and Chelsea sit in 6th and 7th place respectively. As if this London Derby wasn’t big enough, Spurs could climb into 5th place with a win. Both teams spent massively during the preseason. Although, Chelsea’s summer receipts must have made Tottenham’s look like loose change. Roman Abramovic spent a combined £222.48mil on Ziyech, Werner, Havertz, Chilwell, and Mendy. So far, only Mendy and Chilwell have shown some promise.

Build Up

Going into this game, both London teams are on a mission. Chelsea as well as Spurs had a good start to their seasons. As time progressed, their form has been subject to inexplicability. Thankfully, the season has only crossed the halfway mark and they both will be eager to get back to winning ways. Both managers also have a lot to prove here but on opposite ends. Jose would like to show that his reign can still reach new heights and there’s no need to worry yet. On the other hand, newly hired Tuchel would like to impress early for obvious reasons.

https://instagram.com/ballthatmatters?igshid=86kl890mrmak

Team News

SPURS

Spurs enter another this matchday without talisman Harry Kane. They also miss Argentinean midfielder Giovani Lo Celso. Their number 18 is reportedly set to miss another three weeks due to injuring himself during Spurs’ defeat to Leicester. Question marks remain on whether Serge Aurier will play. According to reports, there was a bust-up with Jose Mourinho against Liverpool. Reguilion will also miss the game through injury.

CHELSEA

The absence of Ziyech against Burnley raised a few eyebrows. Fortunately, the new Chelsea manager Tuchel revealed he left him out as the Moroccan “needed rest”. He is expected to return to play in North London. With no current suspensions, Chelsea could field their strongest line-up. The only question for Tuchel will be who will start either of Mount or Kovačić along with Jorginho or both will start benching Jorginho.

Form

Spurs: – WDWLL
Chelsea: – LWLDW

The last two meetings between these sides have been draws. The Carabao cup game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium finished 1-1 before the Spurs won on penalties. Joe Rodon made his debut for Spurs in a league meeting at Stamford Bridge that finished 0-0.

LAST FIVE MEETING

Chelsea 0-0 Spurs= 29th November 2020
Spurs 1-1 Chelsea= 29th September 2020 (Carabao, Spurs won on pens)
Chelsea 2-1 Spurs= 22nd February 2020
Spurs 0-2 Chelsea 22nd December 2019
Chelsea 2-0 Spurs= 27th February 2019

Players To Watch out for

Chelsea

Timo Werner

The man joined RB Leipzig in the summer but hasn’t yet reached his heights. Chelsea paid more than £47mil for him this summer and so far, he’s not given value to his price tag. He’s had a slow start to life at Stamford Bridge but he scored his first Chelsea goal against Tottenham when these two sides met in the Carabao Cup game when Spurs won on penalties. Could Werner do it again?

Hakim Ziyech

When he was at Ajax, there was a lot of interest from Tottenham. Ex-spurs favorite Rafael Van Der Vaart reportedly told him to play for Spurs one day. However, with his move down south to Chelsea, surely a goal will have the Morocco international singing ‘The Blues’? If he does, Jose will surely be feeling a lot bluer than Chelsea.

Spurs

Heung Min Son

Very few players possess the ability that South Korean star Heung Min Son has. Dribbling passes, goals, skills, assists, he can do it all. However, with Harry Kane absent, Son will have to turn the double act into a solo act. Pressure will be on him to secure three points.

Carlos Vinicius

The Brazilian has had limited game time this season. This has mainly been because of his role as understudy to England captain Harry Kane. But with the Tottenham talisman out for at least another week, Carlos can step up. The man has the significant chance to become a fan favorite with a goal against their London rivals

Conclusion

Another defeat is the last thing Spurs need and surely if they lose again, there will be whispers of “Jose Out!” across N17. Can the Portuguese 58-year-old get one over his old club? Or would Chelsea show that life under Tuchel can be better and get a win? The last thing anyone would want is a draw. Even the neutrals love a fiery London Derby!

For more such articles do click here