The latest massive match for Chelsea comes along on Saturday in the early evening kick off when Tottenham make the short trip across London. Spurs have the best away record in the Premier League, but with the Blues on a 13-game unbeaten run in the top flight and remaining unbeaten at home it is no surprise to see Jose Mourinho’s men as favourites to take the victory.
Last time out Chelsea went round the corner to struggling Fulham and came away 3-1 victors. The scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story though, the Cottagers having battled well in the first half and perhaps having the better of the play. It was goalless at the break but the Blues came out for the second half with a more attacking mindset, Eden Hazard running rings around a tiring Fulham midfield and Andre Schurrle scoring an impressive hat-trick.
Spurs had to dig deep for their victory at White Hart Lane on Sunday against another struggling side, Cardiff City. The match ended 1-0 to the home side thanks to a rare Roberto Soldado goal, but the Bluebirds remained in the match right until the end and had chances to level or even nick the win. But three points is three points and Spurs boss Tim Sherwood will be happy to focus on the Chelsea game and is likely to be optimistic of his side’s chances of getting at least a point.
When the sides met at the Lane in September the match ended 1-1, Gylfi Sigurdsson scoring for the home side in the first half but John Terry levelling for the visitors in the second. Five of the last seven league matches between them have ended all-square and we wouldn’t be surprised to see another draw on Saturday as the Blues take few risks due to Tottenham’s ability to hit teams on the break.
Much will depend on the two sides’ ability to convert any chances they are able to create. Chelsea’s strikers continue to misfire but in Emmanuel Adebayor Spurs have a prolific goalscorer who is high on confidence and playing very well. But Chelsea’s midfield goal threat is potent enough for them to get on the scoresheet and we think overall the home side will edge this one.
Mourinho’s men are currently on 63 points from their 28 games, four points clear of second place Liverpool and third place Arsenal (both of whom have played the same number of games) and six ahead of Manchester City, though the League Cup winners have two games in hand.
With just 10 league matches remaining for both Chelsea and Spurs, we are certainly getting towards the business end of the season, and though Sherwood’s team might have to go for broke a little if they are to close the gap on the sides above them, ultimately we think the Blues will have the tactical nous and experience to get another win under their belts as they get ever-closer to another Premier League crown.
LCN Verdict: Chelsea to win 2-1