Tottenham vs Chelsea: A London derby like no other

Chelsea have to rejuvenate themselves for the trip to White Hart Lane, casting the racism saga among other issues aside. A ‘charged’ John Terry must charge-up his Chelsea mates to down Spurs.

After a lacklustre no-show at the DW stadium last week, Chelsea face a thorny game against high-flying Spurs who could go third behind the Manchester duo in case of an win. Tottenham are currently in their second best start to a season in 129 years, despite losing to United and City at the start of the season.

Chelsea have not won at Spurs since 2005, and a Heurelho Gomes howler gifted Drogba a goal to rescue a point last season. Past encounters have been enterprising with loads of goals shared between the London teams.

CHELSEA NEWS

‘Massive Night In London’

John Terry has been passed the fitness test after an Achilles injury, but centre-back Luiz is still out injured. Ramires will add spark to the midfield that was lacking at Wigan, as he returns from the sidelines. Drogba will start on top with Torres taking his place on the bench.

SPURS NEWS

Beset by injuries, Spurs may play without Bale, Lennon and Adebayor in the starting XI. Sandro and Pavyluchenko are in line for recalls to accompany Van Der Vaart in attack. Chelsea target Luka Modric will partner ex-Londoner Scott Parker in midfield.

Tactics

Chelsea’s disappointing performance at Wigan coincided with Ramires missing out and Lampard filling in. The box-to-box play Ramires offers was lacking as the Chelsea midfield looked lethargic. AVB didn’t replace either Meireles or Lampard but opted to substitute Mata and Sturridge, a move that backfired when Jordi Gomez equalised for Wigan.

Spurs play using the width provided by Lennon and Bale but with those two doubtful Kyle Walker and Assou-Ekkoto will play a vital role in breaking down the Chelsea defence. Ashley Cole has been playing in an advanced wing-back position under AVB, and has provided a deft cross-field pass to assist Sturridge’s goal vs Wigan.

Didier Drogba had a dismal 48 % passing percentage at the DW and will have to pick up his game against the adept Gallas and Kaboul. In the absence of Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon, Benoit Assou-Ekotto created more chances for his teammates than any other player.

“I hope he isn’t playing tomorrow. He is a fantastic player so if he is not playing I wouldn’t be too disappointed”. Redknapp on his nephew Frank Lampard

AVB deployed a 4-3-2-1 formation midway through the game on Saturday and found success by freeing Mata behind Drogba. The impressive Oriol Romeu will be key in anchoring the midfield and shackling van der Vaart.

Prediction

A 1-2 win for Chelsea, Spurs without the quartet of Bale, Lennon, Defoe and Adebayor will find it hard to penetrate through this Chelsea defence.