Chelsea
welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night as they look to
maintain their unbeaten season.
The Blues haven’t lost in 20 matches in all competitions this season and are
looking increasingly difficult to beat. They were held by Sunderland at the
weekend but boast a superb record against Spurs at home, having not lost to
their London rivals at Stamford Bridge since 1990.
Spurs come off the back of three wins in a week after they beat Hull and
Everton either side of a 1-0 victory over Partizan Belgrade, which confirmed
their place in the knockout stage of the Europa League.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men have rapidly turned their season around after a
sluggish start and their top-four charge is right back on track, but they
lost 4-0 here last season and will have to overcome their Chelsea curse to
register a third Premier League win in a row for the first time this season.
Team News
Chelsea are without the suspended Diego Costa after the striker picked up a
fifth booking in the draw at Sunderland, so Loic Remy and Didier Drogba are
in contention to start up front.
Nathan Ake (hamstring) missed the trip to the Stadium of Light and is
unlikely to be included, but Jose Mourinho has no fresh concerns ahead of
Wednesday's clash.
Tottenham will have defender Kyle Naughton available following his two-match
Barclays Premier League suspension while Emmanuel Adebayor, who has been
suffering from a virus and back problem, is among several players who will
be assessed, with Etienne Capoue and Danny Rose also concerns with knocks.
Full-back Kyle Walker continued his recovery from abdominal surgery by
playing for the Under-21s against Manchester City on Monday night.
Opta Facts
Chelsea have lost only one of their last 17 Premier League London derbies
(W12 D4) – this coming in a 1-0 defeat at Crystal Palace in March.
Jose Mourinho’s side have kept 11 clean sheets in their last 14 Premier
League home matches.
Tottenham have lost just one of their last six Premier League away games (W3
D2 L1).
The Blues have won all three Premier League games that they have conceded
the first goal in this season.
Chelsea and Spurs have both won the most points from losing positions in the
Premier League this season (9).
Merson’s Predictions
“Sunday was the best I’ve seen Spurs play under Mauricio Pochettino. They
played with a lot more tempo and created more chances. Diego Costa is
obviously missing, too. Sunderland were very organised and they all knew how
to do their jobs, but I don’t think Tottenham can do that. Chelsea should
win fairly comfortably because I don’t see how they’ll be able to defend
against them for 90 minutes.”
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0
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