Tottenham vs Chelsea 2013: Team news and predicted line-ups

After having a fully fit squad for most of the season so far, Jose Mourinho is likely to be without a key midfielder for the visit to Tottenham.

Brazilian midfielder Ramires had to be taken off because of a hip injury, and it seems that he has not recovered sufficiently in time for this match. Mourinho has said that Ramires has been included in the squad, but his participation is doubtful.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official site, Mourinho said,

Ramires is selected for the squad tomorrow because I hope he can play, but the recovery process is going slowly, he didn’t train with the team. We are doing everything for him to play.

This is a major blow because Ramires has been one of the ever present in Chelsea’s midfield this season. Mourinho, though, has an incredible squad at his disposal and he is unlikely to face any trouble replacing him.

Chelsea predicted line-up:

John obi Mikel is a very good defensive midfielder, but Michael Essien offers much more. He can be used as an attacker if any to chase began without making a substitution. Essien looked brilliant against Swindon, and as a huge fan of the ‘Bison’, it would be great to see him back in the Premier League as well.

Mata could return to Chelsea starting line-up after Mourinho’s latest comments about the Spaniard.

Tottenham predicted line-up:

The starting line-up has very little weaknesses and it is a very offensive one. Paulinho may start as the defensive midfielder, but as he showed against Cardiff last weekend, he is capable of scoring goals as well. Thinking very hard, one may say that Danny Rose is a weak link given his lack of experience.

What’s your Chelsea starting XI?