Eden Hazard rightly said that the players, the Club, the fans, anyone related to Chelsea do not want Spurs to win the league. The game against Spurs don’t need any extra motivation and the squad must be pumped up to beat Spurs and end their title hopes once and for all. If the Spurs lose, Leicester just needs a draw against Everton to bring the trophy to King Power stadium and complete a fairytale campaign.
Spurs will be dejected after their 1-1 draw with West Brom and the suspension of Dele Alli must have acted as a double blow. The blues on the other hand will be delighted after a convincing victory which have been a rare commodity this season and will be pleased to see Eden Hazard on the scoresheet. Hazard will be a crucial factor if a result is needed against the rivals.
Team news:
Kurt Zouma and Loic Remy are the long term absentees while John Terry is expected to make the squad on Monday. Thibaut Courtois will serve the second match of his suspension and Radamel Falcao will be on the bench.
Spurs will be without Alli, who is banned for 3 games after punching Claude Yakob in the midriff in the last game. Eric Dier is also doubtful after suffering a concussion against the Baggies.
Tactics:
Spurs will continue their high continuous pressing game and to get hold of the game from the start. Harry Kane will look to add to his goal tally and increase the lead between him and Jamie Vardy. Kane can do the damage with Ivanovic not at his best and can crumble under the pressure. This squad cab breaks the Stamford Bridge hoodoo as Spurs haven’t won at Chelsea’s home ground since 1990.
Chelsea have to win the midfield battle with Alli gone and Dier doubtful, the blues can dominate Spurs with Fabregas in a free role and Hazard playing centrally. Also, the fullbacks, Walker and Rose need to be kept in check to reduce the threat and cut out the supply to the forwards.
Predicted lineups:
Chelsea : Begovic, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ivanovic, Rehman, Mikel, Fabregas, Willian, Hazard, Pedro, Costa.
Spurs: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Mason, Dembele, Lamela, Eriksen, Son, Kane.
Prediction: Chelsea 2 – 1 Spurs
Betting odds:
Chelsea wins: 13/8
Spurs: 6/4
Draw: 12/5