Having had the best start to a Premier League season in their history, it’s all been rather intriguing as to why any talk of a Spurs title tilt as been muffled of late.
Whilst Manchester City have gained admiring eyes with their unparalleled attacking play, fact is Pep’s side are not without their faults – perhaps the North Londoners are still quietly confident of mounting a challenge right under the noses of various bookies. Indeed you’d be wise to continue to bet on Lilywhite wins in your footy accumns.
But why are neutrals so unconvinced of the side’s credentials? This is undeniably the least ‘Spursy’ Spurs have been in recent memory after all.
One things for sure, Poch’s men have an ideal opportunity this weekend to spin the Premier League roulette wheel very much in their favour.
Unbeaten in there last 5 matches and just a solitary point ahead of their North London rivals, Chelsea come to Wembley stadium with there tails very much up.
Maurizio Sarri’s own brand of ‘Sarri-ball’ has pleased the home contingent, the no-nonsense Italian coach is even now getting a song out of misfit striker Alvaro Morata.
Can Hazard be stopped?
Apart from an apparent down-tooling during Jose Mourinho’s infamous final season with the club, Hazard has etched his way into Chelsea folklore during a spectacular club tenure.
Sadly for his clubs opponents, the Belgian whizz is on stellar form under his new boss Sarri.
With Kanté, Kovacic and Jorginho plugging up any leaky balls, Hazard has been afforded even more permission to run defenders ragged. Indeed, the forward has contributed 7 goals and 4 assists in 11 appearances. If you want tips for the weekends football, you be wise to put a punt on the tricky winger grabbing a goal.
Head 2 Head
The Blues just about edged the recent head 2 head, with the multi Premier League champions claiming 3 wins to Tottenham’s 2 in their last 5.
The overall Premier League record however paints a rather harsher picture however.
Chelsea have taken an impressive 27 wins to Spurs’ 6, with the sides drawing on 19 occasions.
Despite the eye watering statistics, the home side will no doubt be buoyed by an emphatic 3-1 victory at Stamford Bridge last season.
And Spurs’ danger man?
Famed for his slow season starts (accompanied by a hatful of goals straight after), Harry Kane has netted 6 times on 12 PL occasions.
The striker netted a last gasp goal to clinch Nations League promotion for England at the weekend. Energised by an enthralling finish, and with the bit between his teeth, Kane will no doubt be Sarri’s main defensive concern.
Injury News
A bit of a mixed bag when it comes to Spurs’ treatment table fortunes. The good news for the home side is that midfield talisman Christian Eriksen returns after a 4 game lay-off. The Great Dane proving his fitness during Denmark’s underwhelming 0-0 draw with Ireland.
Argentinian trio Erik Lamela, Juan Foyth and Paulo Gazzaniga are likely to miss out however after just returning from their national side 2-0 friendly win over Mexico.
Prediction
Chelsea may be the only unbeaten side on Europe’s top 5 leagues, with Kane being supported by the returning Eriksen, we’re gunna take a punt on The Lilywhites.
Spurs 2-1 Chelsea