Tottenham vs Chelsea

September 27, 2013
By: Nemanja Lazarevic

For all the attacking potential the two teams have got at their disposal, they have scored mere 11 goals between them so far, which screams tight and low-scoring encounter at White Hart Lane. Chances are the outcome of the game will be decided by an individual moment of inspiration and all that’s left to see is who is going to steal the spotlight at the Lane.

Four out of five

Selling Gareth Bale to Real Madrid is likely to prove one of the best decision club chiefs have ever made, having used the cash to sign some excellent players this summer. And even though Spurs have yet to reach their top form, four hard-fought victories in first five matches ensured the 1-0 defeat to local rivals Arsenal was quickly forgotten. Seeing as how there is still plenty of room for improvement, Tottenham fans have every right to hope for a very successful season, but it is team’s performances in big games that are likely to determine whether they can realise their pre-season ambitions. After largely struggling to match England’s top sides in the past, Spurs have seriously improved their displays against top 4 rivals of late, mostly because Andre Villas-Boas realised that all-out attack was not really the best approach in big games. Having conceded just one goal so far, Spurs are well aware that another clean sheet will give them an excellent chance to continue the excellent start to the season, so don’t expect the hosts to pour men forward unless they concede a goal early on.

A number of first team regulars return after they were rested in midweek, whereas Danny Rose should start after recovering from injury.

Chelsea continue to struggle

Many people believed that the return of Jose Mourinho would make Chelsea one of the main candidates for the Premier League title, but the Blues have yet to prove they can be regarded as serious title contenders. After recording home victories over Hull City and Aston Villa, the Stamford Bridge outfit were completely outclassed by Manchester United at Old Trafford and they were very fortunate to come away with a goalless draw. The team have since been beaten by Bayern Munich in UEFA Super Cup, while also losing to Everton and Basel in the Premier League and Champions League respectively. And even if comfortable victories over Fulham and Swindon ensued, we cannot really say the Blues go into the Tottenham clash full of confidence. With late arrival Samuel Eto’o failing to bring anything to misfiring attack, the scoring problems look likely to continue regardless of who is chosen to lead the line at the Lane. Add to that the fact that Mourinho has been keeping his most creative player Juan Manuel Mata on the bench, and you will see that Chelsea face an uphill task in the second local derby of the season.

Ramires is doubtful through injury, whereas Marco van Ginkel has been ruled out for six months after tearing his knee ligament.

Verdict

Given the poor form Chelsea are in, Tottenham do look closer to winning here, but with neither side expected to take too many risks, under 2.5 goals appears to be the banker here. Everything suggests we are going to see a very tight game that could easily end goalless.

Top pick: Under 2.5 goals   1.80 (4/5) @ Ladbrokes

Alternative pick 1: Draw   3.30 (23/10) @ Sportingbet

Alternative pick 2: Correct score 0-0   10.00 (9/1) @ SkyBet

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