Tottenham v Chelsea – Wembley Stadium at 17:30 (GMT)
The international break has finally ended as players return to their clubs with the Premier League action set to continue again on the weekend. Goals await to line up Saturday’s most anticipated London derby with Tottenham Hotspur hoping to cling on their top four finish this season. The fourth-placers are looking forward to their seventh victory from eighth of their Premier League matches as they welcome their third-placed London foes Chelsea who are also looking to maintain their undefeated start to the season at the Wembley Stadium.
Even though the Spurs are set to be knocked out of the Champions League group stage fixtures, they still remain in the fourth place in the Premier League table above Arsenal and Manchester United. They will come into Saturday’s fixture with a four-match winning streak across all competitions. In the meantime, Chelsea were quick to adapt to the possession-based style of play of manager Maurizio Sarri after moving to the club in the summer from Serie A side Napoli.
After Chelsea’s unsuccessful attempt to defend the title from former boss Antonio Conte, they decided to replace their former manager with Sarri. Despite many critics deducing that it would take a while for the team to get used to their new ways, it looked like they experienced quite a very strong beginning to this year’s campaign, having been undefeated in Sarri’s first 18 matches as a Premier League manager. The rivals have encountered each other for a total of 52 times in the Premier League with Chelsea coming out victorious 27 times, Tottenham in 6, and the two sharing 19 draws.
LATEST NEWS
– Spurs’ midfielder Mousa Dembele is not yet expected to come back until after the New Years after he suffered ankle ligament damage against the Wolves.
– Cesc Fabregas in the only small injury concern for Chelsea due to illness. However, it is possible for the Spaniard to make a full recovery just in time for Saturday’s fixture.
– Tottenham’s Christian Eriksen finally admitted to being back to his full fitness.
– Chelsea’s Marco van Ginkel is the only long-term absentee with a cruciate knee injury.
– Tottenham Hotspur’s Argentinian duo Erik Lamela and Juan Foyth are also doubtful for Saturday’s face off against Chelsea.
PROBABLE FORMATION & STARTING XI
Tottenham: 3-4-3
Hugo Lloris, Kieran Trippier, Toby Alderweireld, Davinson Sanchez, Ben Davies, Harry Winks, Christian Eriksen, Moussa Sissoko, Lucas Moura, Son Heung-Min, Harry Kane.
With Danny Rose and Jan Vertonghen still unavailable to play in this match, the back four will be comprised of Kieran Trippier, Davinson Sanchez, Toby Alderweireld and Ben Davies.
Chelsea: 4-3-3
Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz, Marcos Alonso, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Ross Barkley, Willian, Eden Hazard, Alvaro Morata.
KEY PLAYERS
Tottenham
Harry Kane plays as a striker for the Spurs and currently captains the English national football team. Last season, he made history for being Europe’s top goal scorer as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a spot in the top four finish during last season’s Premier League.
Kieran Trippier was among the players who stunned the crowd with his stunning performance at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Playing as a right-back for the Spurs and the English national team, he was England’s most consistently impressive player in the football scene. He was the third Englishman to net in a World Cup semifinal when he struck a free-kick into the top corner to defeat runners up Croatia.
Christian Eriksen is regarded as one of the Premier League’s most intelligent, creative and visionary midfielder. Playing as a midfielder for both Tottenham and the Danish national team, he knows how to control the game. His remarkably impressive skills helped the Spurs become one of the top teams in the English Premier League.
Chelsea
Eden Hazard has become one of the key players at Stamford Bridge, consistently scoring goals and securing several victories for Chelsea. He is currently regarded as one of the top goal scorers for the 2018-19 season of both the English Premier League and the Champions League.
Willian, with his agility and explosive style of play, is currently regarded as one of Chelsea’s most impressive players and also the Brazilian national team. He currently plays as a winger or as an attacking midfielder for both the national team and Chelsea.
MATCH PREDICTION
Tottenham v Chelsea: 2-1
Five of the previous six meetings between these two rivals have seen countless goals scored. The hosts also have the advantage of calling the assistance of Premier League’s most prolific striker for the last three campaigns in Harry Kane, but it should be noted that the visitors also have the likes of Alvaro Morata and Belgium’s Eden Hazard. However, considering Belgium’s struggle to beat Switzerland during the UEFA Nations League last Saturday, and with England currently dominating the said competition, it should not be a surprise for the Spurs to win this match since most of its remarkable players are among the roster for the English national team.
MATCH BETTING ODDS
*Prices are correct at the time of writing.
By @EliaasMJ
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