Spurs v Chelski – Match preview

The almost tangible uplift in optimism and excitement that seems to have engendered since the victory at Palace will be given an early teat of its solidity this weekend as we take on an unbeaten Chelski at the potato field we don’t like to call home. From the television, looking at England playing at Wembley last weekend, it appears as though the pitch problems have lessened a tad, though knowing our luck there’ll be some sort of tractor grand prix take place there between now and Saturday evening.

As stated, Chelsea are indeed unbeaten. They appear once more to have cocked an old-fashioned snoot at those who believe that stability is essential for success. Not in West London it’s not, New Manager More Trophies is their motto even if the next few managers are only keeping the seat warm for Fat Frank.

The only game in which they have looked in serious trouble was at home to Man Utd where they blew an early lead and ended up on the threshold of defeat until Barkley’s verrrry late equaliser, apart from that though it’s been fairly plain sailing with Hazard revelling in a free role and Morata, Pedro et al chipping in when needed.

Jorghino seems key to Sarri’s new system, it was interesting to read that Everton put two players on him last time out in an attempt to staunch Chelsea’s flow at source. It’s hard to believe that Poch would consider that tactic for even a moment. Whatever side injuries, jet lag and general weariness allow us to put out, it will be one that tries to dominate possession and impose itself from the start.

The pattern of the last few games against Chelsea is that we’ve generally been the better side but haven’t come out on top, the oh so glorious exception being last April’s win at Stamford Bridge. After falling behind, Eriksen’s wonder strike was prelude to a Dele Alli finishing master class. Both of those players must play if we are to field anything like our best side, whether they will though is doubtful, especially given the Inter Milan visit on Wednesday.

We are low on resources in midfield and at centre-back, we must hope that Sanchez, Alderweireld, Dier, Winks and Wanyama are all relatively fit and ready. Scratch that, I’ve just read that Sanchez is out, but Vertonghen might be back. Toby will be relieved, he must be fed up of playing on the left.

Sarri has sorted Chelsea out in so many ways, but they’ve still got Luiz & Alonso at the back so are vulnerable to pace, are playing Kante in a weird position and are over reliant on Hazard for goals. We’ll need a good start and for Winks and Dier (probably) to be at the top of their game, but we have a good chance to come out on top and move into third place. Kane, Dele & Lucas at least will all need to play good games.

The referee is Martin Atkinson.

Spurs vs Chelsea Betting Tips

Tottenham’s Dele Alli has scored five goals in his last four games against Chelsea in all competitions. The midfielder is 11/1 to bag the first goal.

Tottenham are looking to win consecutive league games against Chelsea for the first time since August 1987. A Spurs win is 9/5.

None of Tottenham’s last 16 Premier League games have ended in a draw (W12 L4) – the longest current such run in the competition. A draw is 12/5.

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