The real sense of excitement is found in the fact that many will write this off as a simple Chelsea win, but this is the Premier League! It’s certainly not going to be that straightforward – read on to see how I unpack it.
English Premier League
Sunday 23 January
Stamford Bridge
18:30
To Win
Chelsea 7/10 | Draw 28/10 | Tottenham 37/10
Chelsea
I think Chelsea got their tactics absolutely spot on at the Etihad. Granted, Thomas Tuchel would have preferred to not have to play Brighton before entertaining Spurs…but I guess that is how the proverbial cookie crumbles.
Chelsea needed to humble themselves and pack in against the league leaders, something you would not have seen against the Seagulls, nor on Sunday evening. What is impressive is when a side can show such a degree of resilience in defence, (yes, against a very good team) something which requires character and belief, where elsewhere they look to take the game to their opponents and often dictate the flow and pace of the ball.
The Blues have recovered well from their December wobble and are still fighting at the summit of the table. Their German manager has returned them to playing and looking like a well-oiled machine and, if you are a Chelsea fan, you are singing their praises again. Ok, ok you never stopped – look at you being a true supporter!
The hosts will want to get rid of the rust on their attacking process and look to ensure their strikers are actually asking questions in Tottenham box. I don’t doubt their defensive work, but they must be careful not to show their visitors too much respect, lest they class themselves amongst the likes of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club…
I think this will be a cagey game, both managers enjoy being defensively sound and will want to ensure they shut-up shop early. For the neutral viewer, we can only hope something fires things up early on.
Tottenham
Antonio Conte has had an impressive start to life at Spurs, but by his own admission, this will be a real test for his side. They were well-beaten by Chelsea in the EFL Cup, and should they wish to stand any chance of coming away with something from this game, they will need every ounce of physicality, strength and aggressiveness so often associated with a Conte team.
I think Spurs is still well within the Champions League conversation for this year. They are just four points off fourth spot with four fixtures in hand. Of course, games like this one become important in their quest for European representation…but I don’t think it’s the be-all and end-all. Their real battle is against West Ham, Arsenal, Manchester United and Wolves.
I don’t think enough has been mentioned of the attacking options available at Spurs. I would put that forward attack amongst the best in the league! However, much like Manchester United, the ability to get the ball into those players is failing.
Harry Kane is an exceptional footballer, his movement in the opposing box is brilliant. His unassuming turn of foot in tight areas, maintaining control of the ball is also often forgotten. But for me, it is his ability to hold the ball up and bring other options into the Spurs attacking surge – and yet he is never among the candidates when we speak of the likes of Romelu Lukaku.
I think this could be a brilliant game to watch, Antonio Conte might have something to prove, and these Spurs players will not want to be embarrassed by their neighbours again.
Prediction: Chelsea/Draw & Under 2.5 @ (12/10)
I maintain that this will be a low-scoring affair, in fact I think Antonio Conte will adopt the Thomas Tuchel approach seen against City – yet another indication of where each team is at.
I’m certainly excited for this encounter, and whilst my prediction might suggest something of a bore – I assure you the niceties usually associated with these teams will be on full display for all to see.
