After the international break its time to turn our attentions back towards the League program. Tottenham hosts their London rivals Chelsea which sees AVB going head against his former team. 18 Yard Box analyses the tie
White Hart Lane will be bear witness to a spectacular match between current leaders Chelsea and fifth place Tottenham Hotspur. But what will make this game particularly interesting is the return of ex-Chelsea boss Andreas Villas-Boas who was sacked just after 9 months of taking up the job at Stamford Bridge. Having already claimed an emphatic away win at Old Trafford, AVB, as he is famously called, would want to register another famous win against his former team and propel Tottenham into the Champions’ League spots. While Roberto Di Matteo would expect nothing short of a win from his team, which has been in top form, in what promises to be a sizzling London Derby. It would also pit Di Matteo against Villas-Boas under whom he served as an assistant manager at Chelsea. This match promises to be much more than a game of football.
18 Yard Box has a look at the game which could turn our to be Andre Villas Boas' moment of truth.
Tottenham have aggressively tried to bolster their chances of getting into Europe by acquiring several quality players and even a new manager after the departure of Harry Redknapp.
Tottenham did not get off to the best of starts this season under new coach Andreas Villas-Boas with a loss at Newcastle and struggled to get full points against weaker opposition. However, an away victory against Manchester United seems to have rejuvenated this team and given them the belief that they can beat any team in the league. If there was ever a time that Spurs would want to face Chelsea it is now.
After the sacking of Villa-Boas, interim manager Roberto Di Matteo had turned the team’s fortunes around and managed to win the F.A cup and the Champions’ League last season. He seems to have returned this season with the same form and a battalion of young, talented and trophy-hungry players. Chelsea has been in top form and already managed to create a four point lead at the top of the table. Chelsea would want to register their first win at white hart lane since 2005 and have a fair chance of doing so.
Importance of a win- Manager v/s Manager!
A chance to prove who is a better manager, AVB and his former prodigy RDM will be locking horns for the first time ever. Whilst for one its a question of maintaining the dream of matching the Arsenal's invincibles, the other side will look to build on the confidence obtained from the previous game. AVB would love to have his former club for dinner on Saturday night where RDM would once again try to push the off-field problems aside and will try to concentIrate on the game. Moreover, this game will surely prove who is the tactical guru amongst the two. One who relies on attacking brilliance would try to prove the other who has taken a defensive apporach against pacey teams like Tottenham. It surely will be a mouth watering prospect to watch both of them in the dugout, but his time against each other.
The Final Verdict
Chelsea seem to be the better team which is demonstrated by their recent results. But Tottenham at home will altogether a different ball game. Though AVB has said this match is not about vengeance, a victory against his former side would be special. A win for Chelsea will help them in their pursuit of another League title. This will be a first London derby for several players on both teams which add several new elements to an age old rivalry. One can only hope that the result is determined by a moment of sheer brilliance and not by poor mistakes. 18 Yard Box feels a 2-1 home win for Tottenham Hotspur will be a fitting end for this wonderful game which will see new rivalries set in a scintillating 90 minutes and once again open up the title race for one and all.
Written By,
Pranav Shenoy
Pranav is an Editor and Writer for 18 Yard Box.
White Hart Lane will be bear witness to a spectacular match between current leaders Chelsea and fifth place Tottenham Hotspur. But what will make this game particularly interesting is the return of ex-Chelsea boss Andreas Villas-Boas who was sacked just after 9 months of taking up the job at Stamford Bridge. Having already claimed an emphatic away win at Old Trafford, AVB, as he is famously called, would want to register another famous win against his former team and propel Tottenham into the Champions’ League spots. While Roberto Di Matteo would expect nothing short of a win from his team, which has been in top form, in what promises to be a sizzling London Derby. It would also pit Di Matteo against Villas-Boas under whom he served as an assistant manager at Chelsea. This match promises to be much more than a game of football.
18 Yard Box has a look at the game which could turn our to be Andre Villas Boas' moment of truth.
 |
| Comrades turned adversaries |
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham have aggressively tried to bolster their chances of getting into Europe by acquiring several quality players and even a new manager after the departure of Harry Redknapp.
Tottenham did not get off to the best of starts this season under new coach Andreas Villas-Boas with a loss at Newcastle and struggled to get full points against weaker opposition. However, an away victory against Manchester United seems to have rejuvenated this team and given them the belief that they can beat any team in the league. If there was ever a time that Spurs would want to face Chelsea it is now.
Strengths
 |
| Solid attacking unit |
Currently, Tottenham seem to be self-sufficient in every
department other than defense where they are missing some important players due
to injury. However, the likes of Younes Kaboul and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have
been ably replaced by young Stephen Caulker and Ajax youth academy product Jan
Vertonghen. The best part of Tottenham has been the fitness and ability of
their midfield players who have remained fit and chipped in with vital goals more
than making up for the absence of a strike partnership. Summer transfers like
Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey have already made their mark in the game and
justified their transfer fees. The return of Aaron Lennon has given another
dimension to the spurs game. Bale and Lennon on either wings make spurs a
dangerous side. Though the strike department seems empty Jermaine Defoe has
been among the goals lately which will do his confidence a world of good. The other advantage is that their boss AVB would very well know Di Matteo's tactics and will play to his strengths. Home support could be crucial and Chelsea will have a tough time containing the likes of Gareth Bale and Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Weaknesses
 |
| Big gloves to fill?? |
The departure of Luka Modric has hurt Tottenham in the
holding player role. With the recent injury to Scott Parker the pressure of
playing holding midfield has fallen flatly on Sandro who has been inconsistent.
The second half display against Manchester United was poor and clearly
displayed flaws in Tottenham’s game. Tottenham were comfortable in possession
while attacking but were pathetic off the ball while defending. Another cause
for concern is the goalkeeping department. The recent introduction of Hugo
Lloris in the squad in place of veteran Brad Friedel after his big money move
from Lyon threatens to destabilize an already fragile defense. Chelsea’s young
and jubilant youngsters could have a field day if the Spurs defenders don’t step
up to the occasion.
Chelsea
After the sacking of Villa-Boas, interim manager Roberto Di Matteo had turned the team’s fortunes around and managed to win the F.A cup and the Champions’ League last season. He seems to have returned this season with the same form and a battalion of young, talented and trophy-hungry players. Chelsea has been in top form and already managed to create a four point lead at the top of the table. Chelsea would want to register their first win at white hart lane since 2005 and have a fair chance of doing so.
Strengths
 |
| The Holy Trinity |
Chelsea are already the team to beat this season with
impressive displays against Norwich City and Arsenal. Just like Tottenham, Chelsea have also strengthened its midfield with mega signings Eden Hazard from
Lille and Oscar from Internacional. The two have already managed to stamp their
authority on the English game with impressive displays. Juan Mata and Frank
Lampard have continued from where they left last season with notable
contributions. The Chelsea defense has also looked rock solid with David Luiz and Gary
Cahill forging a wonderful partnership at the heart of defense alongside their leader John Terry. Right back Branislav Ivanovic has been an attacking threat
scoring 3 goals in 7 games and left back Ashley Cole is always a force to
reckon with.
Weaknesses
 |
| Leader? Captain? or Sadly a racist? |
The recent racism scandal has resulted in John Terry
becoming a major question mark for Chelsea. This will limit the manager’s
options and force the temperamental David Luiz to start the game. Another cause of concern is the fact that Ashley Cole might be forced to leave at the end of this season. With speculations growing that Chelsea will be trying to offload their aged legs, this does not prove to be a great example for the young players who know that later on they will not be supported by their club when in need. Chelsea will
dearly miss Didier Drogba who could have relieved the pressure of scoring goals
from Fernando Torres. Over-dependence on Hazard will hurt the team if the
Belgian master fails to fire for the Blues. The biggest threat for Chelsea will
be down the wings where Bale and Lennon will look to catch the attacking full
backs out of position and create chances for Defoe.
Importance of a win- Manager v/s Manager!
A chance to prove who is a better manager, AVB and his former prodigy RDM will be locking horns for the first time ever. Whilst for one its a question of maintaining the dream of matching the Arsenal's invincibles, the other side will look to build on the confidence obtained from the previous game. AVB would love to have his former club for dinner on Saturday night where RDM would once again try to push the off-field problems aside and will try to concentIrate on the game. Moreover, this game will surely prove who is the tactical guru amongst the two. One who relies on attacking brilliance would try to prove the other who has taken a defensive apporach against pacey teams like Tottenham. It surely will be a mouth watering prospect to watch both of them in the dugout, but his time against each other.
 |
| RDM v/s AVB |
Chelsea seem to be the better team which is demonstrated by their recent results. But Tottenham at home will altogether a different ball game. Though AVB has said this match is not about vengeance, a victory against his former side would be special. A win for Chelsea will help them in their pursuit of another League title. This will be a first London derby for several players on both teams which add several new elements to an age old rivalry. One can only hope that the result is determined by a moment of sheer brilliance and not by poor mistakes. 18 Yard Box feels a 2-1 home win for Tottenham Hotspur will be a fitting end for this wonderful game which will see new rivalries set in a scintillating 90 minutes and once again open up the title race for one and all.
Written By,
Pranav Shenoy
Pranav is an Editor and Writer for 18 Yard Box.
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