The Big Preview - Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur

Article by e-Chelsea Correspondent Robert Wake

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PREMIER LEAGUE – STAMFORD BRIDGE,

SATURDAY 8TH MARCH 2014, 17:30hrs (GMT), LIVE ON SKY SPORTS

Summary

Chelsea welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge leading the table by four points from an in form Liverpool, and a floundering Arsenal. Manchester City are 2 points further back, but have two games in hand and a superior goal difference to all the other contenders. The Blues have won their last two games against Everton and Fulham, while Spurs laboured to a 1-0 win over relegation threatened Cardiff following a surprise defeat at Carrow Road to Norwich City by the same score line.

History

The last two meetings between the London rivals have ended all square. In the reverse fixture this season at White Hart Lane, Gylfi Sigurdsson gave Spurs a first-half lead, that was cancelled out by John Terry’s second-half header. Fernando Torres was sent off ten minutes from time. In the corresponding game last season, the two sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw. Chelsea led twice through Brazilian’s Oscar and Ramires, but were pegged back by goals from Emmanuel Adebayor and Sigurdsson. You have to go back to February 1990 for Tottenham’s last win at The Bridge, when Gary Lineker scored a late winner in a 2-1 victory.

Team News

Both teams have had players away on International duty this week. Chelsea have no new injury worries despite a scare over Eden Hazard. Long term absentee Marco Van Ginkel is back in light training, and may be able to feature in the last month of the season. Tottenham are still without Vlad Chiriches and Erik Lamela, and have doubts over Kyle Walker, Younes Kaboul, Danny Rose, Christian Eriksen, Etienne Capoue and Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Prediction

Chelsea’s victory over Fulham last week coupled with Arsenal’s defeat to Stoke City, allowed Chelsea to pull four points clear of The Gunners. With none of their title rivals playing this weekend, a win for The Blues here could see Chelsea open up a seven point lead at the top. For their part, Tottenham are looking for points to apply pressure on the teams currently occupying the Champions League positions. I expect a tight game here, but with home advantage, Chelsea should have the edge and record a narrow victory.

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

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