Tottenham host Chelsea at White Hart Lane on Thursday knowing a win over their London rivals will keep them firmly in the title race going into the New Year.
Spurs have started the season in blistering fashion finding themselves third with a game in hand on the two Manchester clubs above them. In fact this is their second best start to a season in their 129-year history with the 1960/61 double winning side only bettering the class of 2011/12. Defeat at Stoke a fortnight ago failed to knock Harry Redknapp’s side out of their rhythm and they followed that up with a resolute 1-0 win against Sunderland without several of their key players. Gareth Bale, Aaron Lennon and Jermain Defoe all missed out against the Black Cats and could be absent for the visit of Chelsea, which could force Redknapp into another tactical reshuffle. Tottenham rely heavily on the pace and skill of Bale and Lennon on the wings and could be forced into operating more defensively against the Blues. However with the likes of Luka Modric and Rafael Van Der Vaart pulling the strings in midfield there is still plenty of scope for attack especially with Emmanuel Adebayor banging the goals in up front. This will arguably be Spurs’ biggest test of the season as they strive to cling onto their top three position. Win and they’ll close the gap on Manchester United and put themselves in the frame as genuine title contenders in 2012.
Chelsea are also in the hunt for the Premier League’s top spot although their championship challenge will be all but over if they lose in North London. Boss Andre Villas-Boas has endured a mixed start to life in England and needs his side to come out on top against Spurs if they are to keep themselves in with a chance of catching Manchester City at the top. A brief spell where the Blues couldn’t buy a win for love nor money left Villas-Boas teetering on the brink after only a few months in his new job. His defensive tactics made for constant debate and he was accused of not having the required knowledge and experience to bring the glory days back to Stamford Bridge. However in the last month or so the Portuguese coach has turned things around and has seen his side win three of their last four conceding only two goals in the process. Supporters will be demanding more following their disappointing draw with basement boys Wigan last weekend and know a win is imperative if they are to keep themselves in the title race. Beating Spurs away from home won’t be as easy as it has been in recent years and Chelsea will head into this fixture with a sense of trepidation as they continue their transition under Villas-Boas.
Tottenham Hotspur 3rd : 34 points
Team news: Aaron Lennon, Gareth Bale and Jermain Defoe are all expected to be out meaning boss Harry Redknapp is likely to field the same side that beat Sunderland last time out.
Key Player: Luka Modric
The Croatian playmaker was a serious transfer target for Chelsea in the summer but will be pitting his wits against them on Thursday evening. Modric has been in supreme form this season and will be expected to dictate the tempo in midfield and show the Blues just exactly what they missed out on.
Chelsea 4th : 32 points
Team news: Ramires and David Luiz are both doubts for the trip to White Hart Lane and are the only injury worries for Chelsea going into the game.
Key Player: Daniel Sturridge
Starting the season as fourth choice the England striker is now one of the first names on the Chelsea team sheet after a superb start to the season. Sturridge has made the right side of the Blues front front three his own and will be expected to score the goals to keep his side in the title race.
PREDICTION
This has the potential to be one of the best London derbies in recent history with both sides desperate to stay within touching distance with the top two. Tottenham have been in tremendous form all season long and should have enough to see of Chelsea who are still finding their feet under the stewardship of Villa-Boas.
Score 3-2
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