Spurs are seeking to register their first ever Premier League double over their hobbling crosstown rival Chelsea when they lock horns at Stamford Bridge. Here are the Three Keys to this much-awaited showdown. You can bet on this match here.
Eden Hazard v Harry Kane
Eden Hazard has scored six goals against Tottenham Hotspur in all competitions. The Belgian will look to extend that record when the two sides meet in a highly anticipated encounter at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. The Blues’ best player will be expected to raise his team to the occasion following a terrible run of form in the Premier League. Hazard has also created the second most chances in the league with 68. Chelsea’s opponents Spurs have their own talisman in Harry Kane. The 25-year old England striker recently returned from injury and scored in their loss away at Burnley to take his tally in the league to 15 goals, just two less than joint top scorers Mohamed Salah and Sergio Aguero. Chelsea’s shaky defence will have a job on their hands when they play against a Spurs team who are chasing a league double over the Blues for the first time ever.
Chelsea’s poor form v Spurs impressive away form
Chelsea’s poor form in the league has been well documented. They have lost three of their last four and conceded 12 without reply. Their problems reached a nadir on Sunday where they lost the final of the Carabao Cup to Manchester City on penalties. The loss, however, was overshadowed by the bizarre row between keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and under fire manager Maurizio Sarri. Spurs, on the other hand, have a terrific away form. They have won 11 out of 14 away matches. Last season, they produced an impressive performance to register their first ever win at Stamford Bridge. This match will have significant ramifications for both the hosts and Spurs.
Chelsea’s possession football v Spurs pressing game
After a 6-0 shellacking a fortnight ago from Manchester City, Sarri took a dogged approach in the Carabao Cup final last Sunday where they missed the win by a whisker. However, Sarri’s teams are known for their expansive play and dominance on the ball. They’re expected to take the same approach when they play Spurs who implement a high pressing style. The Blues have made the second most passes in the Premier League this season. On Sunday, they made fewer passes in 90 minutes at Wembley than at the Etihad two weeks ago, 380 to 535 but recorded a higher accuracy from 88.4% to 82.4%. Both styles will clash at Stamford Bridge and given both of them are coming from humiliating defeats; a more conservative style might just suffice.