5 reasons why Chelsea will struggle against Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League 2021-22

#3 Harry Kane is in good touch

Tottenham Hotspur v Morecambe: The Emirates FA Cup Third Round

This has been the worst start to a season for Harry Kane since he established himself as Tottenham Hotspur's first-choice striker. But the Englishman seems to be gradually regaining his touch. He was brilliant against Leicester City in Spurs' dramatic 3-2 win.

Kane scored Tottenham Hotspur's opener and then provided the assist for Steve Bergwijn's equalizer. He has looked sharp and has shown a lot of confidence with the ball at his feet. Lucas Moura is likely to partner Kane in attack in the absence of Son Heung-min.

Kane has now scored five goals and provided an assist in his last eight starts. While that's not great by his own lofty standards, it is evident that he is finally finding his groove again.

#2 Tuchel's 4-2-2-2 formation hasn't had the desired effect

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Chelsea - Premier League

Chelsea have suffered in the absence of Reece James and Ben Chilwell, who are both injured and unavailable. Their three-at-the-back system worked like a charm for such a long time that a formation change seemed to be out of question. But the latest injury blows have caused Tuchel to adopt a 4-2-2-2 formation.

But the change has not produced the desired effect. They did a good job against Spurs in the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup but it hasn't really clicked elsewhere. The Blues have been too narrow and there has been no real thrust coming from the right flank in the absence of James.

Tuchel is likely to stick with the 4-2-2-2 formation tonight. But if things don't get drastically better, Spurs will give them a run for their money.

#1 Romelu Lukaku's form

Chelsea v Brighton & Hove Albion - Premier League

It has all gone south as far as Romelu Lukaku's much hyped return to Chelsea is concerned. The Belgian international's interview with Sky Sports, where he publicly flirted with Inter Milan and undermined Chelsea, has predictably not gone down well with the Chelsea faithful.

To make matters worse, Lukaku has been in poor form in front of goal. He has not scored in his last four matches. Timo Werner is not a very reliable goalscorer either. Mason Mount's goals have dried up too and he hasn't scored in his last nine appearances.

Chelsea need to find a way to keep scoring consistently. For now, their attackers are mostly firing blanks and they have an uninspiring Lukaku leading the line. Despite all the success Chelsea have enjoyed over Tottenham Hotspur in recent times, this specific set of circumstances could finally become their undoing.