3 reasons why Chelsea will defeat Tottenham Hotspur

#2 Chelsea's European hopes hang by the balance

Antonio Conte has the Sword of Damocles hanging over his head

In what has transpired to be another limp defence of the Premier League title, Chelsea stand on the threshold of missing a Champions League place too, a prospect that would really spell the end for manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian gaffer is widely touted to leave London at the end of the season as the shadows of the Azzurri loom large. But it is only speculation at this point and he might survive another season at the helm.

But for that, Conte will have to salvage at least a Champions League spot (and even the FA Cup maybe) to dissuade the ruthless Roman Abramovich from booting him out and this is where the rubber meets the road.

Of the 8 games left on their fixture list, the visit of Liverpool in the penultimate matchday is the only other challenging tie left for Chelsea, who are firm favourites to nick maximum points from everyone else.

Currently, they trail Spurs by 5 points, and a victory on Sunday would not only trim the gap on fourth place but also get the much-needed boost in pushing for a top-four finish in the home stretch of the campaign.