The League Leaders Host Tottenham for the Saturday Afternoon Match

Last updated: November 24, 2016 by Leon Marshal

There couldn’t be a starker contrast between the vibe in West and North London currently. With no European distractions, Antonio Conte has found the magic formula of tactics and form, as his Chelsea side won their 6th consecutive match, keeping the same number of consecutive clean sheets in the process last week. Over in North London, the air over White Hart Lane is a little more heavy. Despite sitting 5th and just 4 points off Chelsea, Spurs have won just one of the last 5 and crashed out of the Champions League earlier this week. Though they remain the only unbeaten side in the Premier League.

Chelsea go into this match fresh and on a high, sitting pretty on the top of the table. Diego Costa is top scorer, while Eden Hazard is hitting the dizzying heights of his form from a few seasons back. With no new injuries and an almost completely injury free squad, Antonio Conte must be finding life a breeze in England. Chelsea will surely hit the blocks running and if they start strong, it’s hard to see them not winning this match. They will surely target a weak Tottenham suffering heavily from injuries, while the defence will look to stick tight to Harry Kane and prevent the striker getting close to goal.

Pochettino was quick to admit that balancing the demands of domestic and European football was perhaps a step too far for his current side, while publically admitting the team must improve. Such improvements are vital if Spurs are to stop the rampant Chelsea. Draw specialists of late, Tottenham have just 1 league win in 5, drawing the other 4. They were lucky to get a win last week against West Ham too, after winning 3-2, despite trailing by a goal in the 88th minute. They can expect no such luck or slip ups from this Chelsea defence. Tottenham will have to take the initiative, which will be easier said than done. With a severely weakened defence, it’s hard to see Spurs going away with anything from this match.

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Team News

The home side have no new injury worries and will be expected to be fresh for this encounter, since they have had no European commitments to take care of.

Antonio Conte’s headache comes only from having multiple selections for each position. The coach is expected to stick with the same team, but there is a possibility of rotation in some areas, with Brazilian Willian pushing to regain his starting place.

Spurs on the other hand have some serious problems in defence. Danny Rose is out, while Toby Alderweireld will not be back in time to feature. Ben Davies would normally deputise for Rose at left back, but he is also out with an ankle injury. Jan Vertonghen will likely move to leftback, with Wimmer covering in central defence alongside Dier.

Erik Lamela is nearing return from a hip injury, though Pochettino is unlikely to risk playing the midfielder, who may also be lacking match fitness.

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Expected line-ups:

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So far this season

• Chelsea top the table after their 6th consecutive win and clean sheet last week. The Blues are in insatiable form, having not conceeded a goal while scoring seventeen in their last six matches.
• Tottenham might have the best defence in the League on paper, but their chances of a clean sheet in this match look very slim. Two of the back four are out with injury and Spurs have just one clean sheet in their last five Premier League matches.
• The turnaround since Conte switched to a three at the back formation has been magnificent for Chelsea. In their last three home matches the Blues have scored twelve goals; there’s every chance that Chelsea could subject Spurs to a big loss here.
• One positive for Spurs is Harry Kane has immediately found his feet after his return from injury. The striker scored against West Ham last week and converted a penalty in the Champions League against Monaco. His goals will be vital if Tottenham are to take anything from this match.

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Head to Head

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Conclusion & Betting Tips

While Spurs technically have the best defence in the League, the stats are a little deceiving in this one. They have one clean sheet in 5 and half of the back four will be absent through injury. If Chelsea hit the form they have shown in recent weeks, there should be no stopping them. I fully expect a Chelsea win here, which it appears the bookies do too. Diego Costa has also scored in 5 of the last 6 matches. With that in mind, Chelsea to win with Costa as an anytime goalscorer looks a good option. You can get this at Ladbrokes.