Tottenham Hotspur will host league leaders Chelsea this Saturday at White Hart Lane as both teams look towards continuing their fine league form.
Chelsea are unbeaten in the English top flight, with 19 points in 7 games and the best defensive record. Tottenham took some time trying to find their feet and rhythm, but have gradually settled in and have managed 4 consecutive wins under manager Andre
Villas-Boas.
The game has a personal element to it, as Villas-Boas will surely be targeting a victory over his former employers. Chelsea had sacked the Portuguese last season, after only 6 months into his appointment.
Tottenham players know they face a stern challenge when the European champions come visit, but will be confident of a result since they’re playing at home. Spurs players will be looking to avenge their Champions League misfortune, as Chelsea qualified for
the tournament this season at their expense.
Tottenham
Expected starting line-up:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Emmanuel-Adebayor-c12526.
The only surprise inclusion in that Spurs starting 11 is perhaps American striker and summer signing Clint Dempsey. The forward scored a brace for his country a few days back, and is in fine form. Given his Premier League experience, Dempsey seems a wise
choice.
The back four stays the same, with Vertonghen deputizing for the injured Benoit Assou-Ekotto. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Younes-Kaboul-c37543 and Scott Parker are still out recovering from injuries.
In the centre, Moussa Dembele is expected to start. The Belgian is currently one of the top midfielders in the league as far as stats are concerned, and has been an important signing for Spurs. The player will be assisted by Sandro as the two central midfielders
look to combine against a formidable Chelsea team.
Gareth Bale and Lennon start on the wings, with both players displaying excellent performances for their respective nations in the recent World Cup qualifiers.
On the bench, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Michael-Dawson-c25288, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tome Huddleston serve as options should Villas-Boas choose to opt for them.
Chelsea
Expected starting line-up:
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Fernando-Torres-c13707.
Chelsea have a strong starting 11, and the only exclusion from the team that thrashed Norwich last week is that of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/John-Terry-c18895. The player has accepted his racial abuse charge, and will serve a 4-match ban effective tomorrow.
The back four otherwise remains the same; with Cahill and Luiz starting in the centre, and Cole and Ivanovic on the flanks.
The midfield is also unchanged, with Mikel in the defensive midfield role, and Juan Mata playing the central attacking midfielder position. The Spaniard has been in immense form of late, and is arguably the best Chelsea player on current form. http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Frank-Lampard-c14097
is expected to pair with Mikel in the box-to-box role.
Up front, Chelsea have Torres in the middle, and Hazard and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Oscar-c28720 on the wings. The tricky young attackers will no doubt keep the Spurs backline busy all day.
Conclusion
I expect a 1-1 draw, with Torres and Dempsey on the score sheet. However, Tottenham can pull an upset on the day, considering their electrifying form and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786’s defensive frailties.
Final score: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 Chelsea.
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