Preview and Prediction
The Blues under Thomas Tuchel is currently highly spirited. They have had their confidence back after a win last weekend. This midweek, Cesar Azpilicueta and Co will face a tougher challenge when they travel to Tottenham Stadium for a less famous London derby. Both sides are collecting the same points and sitting respectively on the sixth and seventh. Yet, with one game in hand, Spurs could climb higher.
The teams’ previous games
Spurs was shockingly defeated on the road against Brighton last weekend. A single goal by the Belgian Leandro Trossard was really the one which made the difference. Graham Potter’s men should even have scored more if their three decent chances weren’t cleared and denied by the post.
Chelsea finally returned to their winning ways after thumping Burnley at home. Two Spaniards were the scorer for their maximum points. Sadly their position on the table is still the same.
Possible tactic
Jose Mourinho will have to modify his preferred 4-2-3-1 since Harry Kane, Tanguy Ndombele and Sergio Reguilon are sidelined alongside Giovanni Lo Celso and Delle Alli. The Portuguese boss might opt for 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 if necessary. Son Heung Min and Steve Bergwijn could get a nod again up front supported by Erik Lamela as the number ten. Both flanks will be covered by Ben Davies and Serge Aurier for more offensive side while in the middle, Harry Winks and the former Southampton man Pierre Hojbjerg are operating the second line.
Thomas Tuchel has the potential to surprise his opponent with tactical approach or formation. He could deploy 4-4-2 to optimise their band of frontman in the squad. Timo Werner should be featuring at the front accompanied by the versatile Kai Havertz while in the midfield Callum Hudson Odoi and Mikel Alonso will be operating on both flanks to support NGolo Kante and Jorginho in the middle.
Players to watch
Son seems to be relying too much on Harry Kane as he has yet scored since the English captain’s absence. The Korean international is the current top scorer with twelve goals and six assists. Some other notable names to watch here are Hugo Lloris and the wing back Serge Aurier.
In Chelsea, their top performers under Tuchel are Callum Hudson Odoi and probably Marcus Alonso again. These two offensive wing backs could provide assist threat in the penalty box. Another key man to watch is the centre back Antonio Rudinger.
Tottenham vs Chelsea Prediction
Mourinho’s men have been winless since winning the FA Cup fourth round. This could be dangerous against the motivated Chelsea. Without anyone in the injury table, the visitors are the favourite to pick up three points here.
Betting odds
In this mouth watering fixture, the punters seem to be undecided too. Spurs are backed to win at 11/4, whereas the Blues’ win market is at 13/11. The draw result is at the value of 28/11.
