Spurs could be chasing Europe with a win in this London derby, whilst Chelsea must continue to put pressure on Manchester United...
Spurs To Save Season
What a difference five games has made to Tottenham Hotspur’s season. Since recording a goalless draw against bitter rivals Arsenal, the north Londoners have gone on an unbeaten run in the Premier League that has seen a vast improvement on their top-flight standings. After facing the Gunners, Spurs were 16th in the table and only two points clear of the relegation zone, but since then wins against Hull City, Middlesbrough and Aston Villa and a draw with Sunderland have meant a climb to 11th position.
The latest win at Villa Park is perhaps one of the Lilywhites’ biggest accomplishments of the season to date and could afford them to maybe start looking up the table rather than over their shoulders. Harry Redknapp’s side are by no means safe just yet, but at the same time are only five points behind West Ham United in seventh, meaning that UEFA Cup – or Europa League as it will be known next season – qualification through league positioning could still be a surprise possibility.
It was the Spurs defence that received a great deal of Redknapp’s praise after the victory over Villa, with the former Portsmouth manager claiming that his central defensive pairing of Jonathan Woodgate and Ledley King is amongst the best partnerships in the Premier League. If Tottenham are to overcome Chelsea in this London derby they will need the back four – particularly Woodgate and King – to be at the top of their game.
Chelsea Charge Forward
All the talk after Manchester United’s shock annihilation at the hands of Liverpool at Old Trafford was centred around the Merseyside club re-entering themselves into the title race. What many fans and pundits alike almost seemed to ignore however was that it was in fact Chelsea who finished last weekend in second place, with a superior goal difference to Liverpool after a win against Manchester City, thanks to a solitary Michael Essien goal.
Chelsea are very much back in the hunt for the Premier League crown since the arrival of Guus Hiddink as manager and it is no coincidence that a change of fortunes has been enjoyed. The Dutchman has the Blues playing formidable football again and has made some key changes since his introduction. The reinstatement to the first 11 of Didier Drogba for example, often unwanted by the previous regime, has seen a dividend paid in goals and the return of Essien has also made an immediate impact, with crucial strikes against both City and Juventus in the Champions League.
Chelsea fans make the short trip to White Hart Lane on Saturday with largely fond memories of meetings with Tottenham; Spurs have managed to topple their West London rivals only once in 37 league meetings, earning their home the dubious moniker of ‘Three Point Lane’. Chelsea and Tottenham may have different interests this season and closer geographical derbies, but rivalries don’t come much fiercer than this.
FORM GUIDE
Tottenham
Aston Villa 1 – 2 Tottenham (Prem)
Sunderland 1 – 1 Tottenham (Prem)
Tottenham 4 – 0 Middlesbrough (Prem)
Man Utd 0 – 0 Tottenham AET (Lge Cup Final – Man Utd win on penalties)
Tottenham 1 – 1 Shakhtar Donetsk (UEFA Cup)
Chelsea
Chelsea 1 – 0 Man City (Prem)
Juventus 2 – 2 Chelsea (Champs League)
Coventry 0 – 2 Chelsea (FA Cup)
Portsmouth 0 – 1 Chelsea (Prem)
Chelsea 2 – 1 Wigan (Prem)
TEAM NEWS
Tottenham
Ledey King has been struggling all season with a knee problem, but with no midweek games left, the former captain could be set to make his third consecutive start. Alan Hutton is back in full training this week and could feature in the squad, while Jermain Defoe continues to miss out through injury. Vedran Corluka may return to the starting line-up after being replaced for the meeting with Aston Villa by Didier Zokora.
Possible Starting XI: Gomes; Corluka, King, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon, Palacios, Jenas, Modric; Keane, Bent.
Chelsea
Deco’s recurring hamstring complaint could keep him out of the visit to White Hart Lane, though the injury is not believed to be as bad as first thought. Didier Drogba was said to be struggling to be available for the game, but reports suggest the Ivorian will be able to take part in the game.
Possible Starting XI: Cech; Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole; Essien, Lampard, Ballack, Kalou; Anelka, Drogba
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tottenham
Several Spurs players appear to have taken their game to the next level over the past month, arguably none more than Aaron Lennon. The England Under-21 International has caused havoc on the right wing and played a part in creating a number of opportunities, as well as finding the net a few times himself. Lennon faces a tough challenge in coming up against Ashley Cole, which should make for entertaining viewing.
Chelsea
For Chelsea, the return of Michael Essien could not have come at a better time and with the all-action midfielder in the side, the possibility of Robbie Keane or Luka Modric creating chances on goal for Spurs could be few and far between. Essien is a goal threat at the other end of the pitch as well as he has proved in recent weeks. The Ghanaian’s inclusion could be pivotal to Chelsea’s season.
PREDICTION
Spurs will take some solace from the fact that they were undefeated against Chelsea last season, including a victory in the League Cup final and a thrilling 4-4 draw at White Hart Lane, but we can only hope for a repeat result this term as Chelsea continue their late charge for Premier League glory. Tottenham are in fine form, but Chelsea are enjoying even more success.
Tottenham Hotspur 0 – 2 Chelsea
