Tottenham
could have Harry Kane in the squad when they face Chelsea in a crucial
top-four clash on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
Kane was expected to be unavailable as he recovers from an ankle ligament
injury suffered against Bournemouth earlier this month, but he might have a
chance of featuring at Stamford Bridge.
"We need to assess, there is still a few days to the game," said Spurs boss
Mauricio Pochettino on Thursday. "It's difficult now to say yes or no to be
involved in the game."
Kane's return could be a major boost for Tottenham as they look to win at
Stamford Bridge for the first time since 1990.
Victory for Spurs would see them move eight points ahead of Chelsea in the
battle for a top-four place in the Premier League.
"It will be a massive game for both teams," said Pochettino. "When you play
this type of game, the pressure is for both teams. History is history and is
there, but it is not going to help. That is not what counts.
"Of course there is still a lot of games to play, this is not a final, this
is not a decisive game, but always it is important for your confidence, your
motivation. To win in Chelsea would be fantastic for everyone.
"But for sure it will be a very tough game. They are a very good team, and
always it is tough to compete with them."
Spurs are unbeaten in the league since December 16 while Chelsea have lost
two of their last three matches in the Premier League.
Team news
Thibaut Courtois and Andreas Christensen are doubts for Chelsea. Goalkeeper
Courtois sustained a hamstring problem before the international break,
meaning Willy Caballero could deputise, while centre-back Christensen has
been struggling with fatigue.
Defender David Luiz (knee) is definitely out, along with midfielder Ross
Barkley who is set to feature for the club's Under-23 side.
Pochettino will give Kane every chance to prove his fitness after suffering
ankle ligament damage three weeks ago.
Harry Winks will definitely be missing as he sees a specialist over his own
ankle injury.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 27 home league matches against Spurs (W18
D9) since losing 2-1 in February 1990.
Spurs' 25 games at Stamford Bridge without winning in the Premier League is
the most that one team has played on one ground without a single victory in
the competition.
Tottenham have won more points in Premier League London derbies this season
than any other side (13 - W4 D1 L2).
The Blues are looking to do their first league double over Tottenham since
the 2005-06 season.
Chelsea are looking to secure back-to-back Premier League wins for the first
time since December - they're winless in their last four against fellow 'big
six' sides (D2 L2), although all of those have been away from home.
Spurs are unbeaten in six Premier League away games (W4 D2) since a 1-4 loss
at Man City in December.
Under Mauricio Pochettino, Tottenham have won 59% of their Premier League
games in which Harry Kane has featured (won 77/131) compared to just 39%
when he's played no part (5/13).
Merson's prediction
This is a massive football match. It either opens up the top four or closes
it and it'll be finished but I'm going to go for it to be blown wide open
because I fancy Chelsea to win this game. I don't see how Tottenham win
without Harry Kane but in a must-win game, Spurs have to go there and make
sure they don't lose.
I know Chelsea's record hasn't been great lately, they've won five of their
last 18, but I still fancy them to win this football game with the way
Willian and Eden Hazard are playing too, especially Willian. I think the
top-four race will be blown wide open.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1 (8/1 with Sky Bet)
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