Tottenham Hotspur will be keen on extending their 13-game unbeaten run as they welcome Chelsea to the White Hart Lane in what is sure to be an exciting London derby.
Chelsea seems to have kicked off their season revival with back to back victories against Norwich City and Maccabi Tel-Aviv after endeavoring a horrendous start to the season.
Chelsea’s mini revival could be put to a stop as they take on an in-form Spurs side, although an away victory for the Blues could prove to be a testament of their comeback to the winning ways.
Chelsea’s defense has been less leaky of late, but a recent injury to John Terry could complicate a bit at the back, but Mourinho will hope that Gary Cahill and Kurt Zouma can negotiate the challenge posed by the likes of Harry Kane and Eriksen.
Chelsea were unable to match their performance with goals as they secured a 1-0 victory over Norwich courtesy of Diego Costa although they won Convincingly in midweek against Maccabi Tel-Aviv as they secured a 4-0 victory.
Mourinho knows that his players have to make the most of their chances against Spurs because, unlike Norwich, Tottenham pose a serious attacking threat and could make Chelsea regret any missed opportunities.
The successive clean sheets will undoubtedly serve an enormous boost to the morale of Chelsea’s defence although the run is expected to come to an end, as there’s absolutely no way Chelsea can prevent the Lilywhites from scoring.
Diego Costa and Eden Hazard will have to turn up big in the Derby encounter following rejuvenated performances from the pair. Hazard is yet to score this season.
Although, Spurs have proven they have what it takes to challenge for a top four spot and possibly the title, the players will be looking to prove their ambitions even further as they look for a victory against the defending champions.
Spurs’ recent superb form could turn out to be a decisive factor in the encounter as the players go into the game high in confidence.
Tottenham’s main attacking weapon is Harry Kane whose goals have won them some valuable points this season, and the Blues’ will have to beware of the ‘HurriKane’ if they want to return as victors from the White Hart Lane.
The defending champions sit 15th in the Premier League table while the 5th placed Tottenham are enjoying the longest unbeaten run in the top-flight. For Lilywhites, London Derby comes just three days after a 5,000 mile round trip to Azerbaijan.
Match Stats
Eden Hazard has scored in each of his last three league appearances against the Spurs.
Blues have won just once in their last seven away league matches (L5 D1) and only once in their last nine league fixture at the White Hart Lane (D4 L4).
Kane has scored seven goals in his last four league appearances while Tottenham have fired in more shots on target this season than any other team in the domestic top flight (88).
Cesc Fabregas has provided 11 assists against Tottenham Hotspur this season, five more than against any other Premier League opponent.
Team News
Dele Alli will watch the match from the stands as he serves a one-match suspension after collecting his 5th booking of the season against West Ham last weekend.
Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, and Mousa Dembele are expected to return to the squad after being rested for Europa League fixture against Qarabag. However, Erik Lamela (groin), Alex Pritchard, Nacer Chadli and Nabil Bentaleb (all ankle) will remain sidelined due to injuries.
John Terry picked up an ankle injury in the 4-0 victory against Maccabi Tel Aviv and is a major doubt for the Derby fixture.
Cesc Fabregas (toe) is fit, but striker Radamel Falcao (undisclosed) and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois (knee) are still unavailable although nearing return.
Possible Starting Lineups:
Tottenham:
Lloris – Walker – Alderweireld – Vertonghen – Rose – Dier – Dembele – Son – Eriksen – Lamela – Kane
