Return to the Lane: Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

In this comeback article by 18 Yard Box, our very own Pranav Shenoy takes a look at the mega clash today. 

2017's first big encounter

The first big game of 2017 brings us a mouth-watering clash between table-toppers, Chelsea and perennial underachievers, Tottenham Hotspur. Given its implications on the title race and Champions’ League Qualification, the Top 6 would have their sights firmly set on this fixture. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea are on a 13 match winning streak and would be keen to top Arsenal’s record (13) with a win against their London rivals. Victory against Spurs would further extend their lead at the top of the table after second-placed Liverpool managed only a draw against Sunderland this gameweek. Fifth placed Spurs would look to cut the 10 point gap between them and the leaders.

18YB’s Pranav Shenoy previews this game for us:

Tottenham Hotspur:

Does Pochettino have another masterclass in store?

In a star-studded league with marquee managers like Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp, it was Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham that remained undefeated for the longest time till Chelsea beat them at Stamford Bridge. Following their defeat at the hands of Manchester United, Spurs have gone on a 4-match winning streak of their own and would look to avenge their defeat against Chelsea in November.

Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1)

Hugo Lloris (GK), Kyle Walker, Toby Alderweireld, Jan Vertonghen, Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Victor Wanyama, Moussa Dembele, Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Harry Kane

Talking Points

The return of Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen to the starting line-up would strengthen Spurs’ defence after the duo missed the game against Watford through suspension but it is at the other end of the pitch that Tottenham would want to focus on.

	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Harry Kane	14	10	2
Dele Alli	16	8	1
Christian Eriksen	18	5	5

Can they deliver when it matters the most?

Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen have been in great form recently notching up assists and goals at a consistent pace but it is the form of their faltering striker Harry Kane that is a cause for concern. Last season’s highest scorer, Kane, is known to hit devastating form in the second half of the season. The 23-year-old notched up just nine league goals up to Christmas last year before adding 16 to win the Golden boot award ahead of Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero. With the likes of Son and an in-form Alli to partner Kane, Spurs surely have enough firepower to trouble the Chelsea defence.

Chelsea

Antonio Conte: The man behind Chelsea's Resurrection

Following the thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, very few would have predicted Chelsea’s firm 5 point lead at the top of the table at the end of 2016. Antonio Conte has successfully adopted what many managers have failed miserably at, a three-man defence. Chelsea’s 3-4-3 has combined the best of robust defending with ruthless attacking, making the best use of their abilities at both ends of the pitch. Chelsea scored 32 goals and conceded just 4 while collecting all 39 points.

Probable Starting XI (3-4-3):

Thibaut Courtois, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, David Luiz, N’golo Kante, Nemanja Matic, Marcos Alonso, Victor Moses, Eden Hazard, Pedro, Diego Costa

Talking Points:

Incisive. Impenetrable. Unstoppable

Chelsea would be happy to see the return of Pedro, whose scorcher against Spurs in the earlier leg set the tone for their comeback victory. Antonio Conte has several credible options in the middle of the park following Cesc Fabregas’s incredible performances in the absence of Matic. Diego Costa has been a force to reckon with this season with 14 goals and 5 assists to his name coupled with a clean disciplinary record for the otherwise much maligned striker. With Hazard, Willian and Pedro in support and Kante and Matic marshalling the centre of the park, Chelsea already look like firm favourites for the title. Azpilicueta, Luiz and Cahill have been impeccable at the back and would look to shut out Tottenham’s blitzkrieg.

Predictions:

Encore: Can Spurs repeat the heroics of the evening that ushered in 2015?

Recent form might indicate a comfortable win for Chelsea but a look at their record at White Hart Lane might suggest otherwise. Chelsea have won only one of their last 10 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (D5, L4) with their last win coming in October 2012. Spurs have previously managed to halt Manchester City’s unbeaten streak and turn the title chase on its head. The two evenly matched teams will probably see out an entertaining 1-1 draw.

Written by,

Pranav Shenoy
(@Devilshenoy93)

Pranav is a contributor/ writer for 18YardBox