Spurs vs Chelsea Prediction

The first weekend back from the recent international break sees London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea engage in the latest top of the table clash, a mere point apart.

Spurs vs Chelsea Prediction and Preview

Fact of Interest:

• Chelsea have won 2 of their last 3 encounters against Spurs, winning the last match at Wembley in August 2017’s league match, courtesy of a brace from Marcos Alonso.
• Nearly 50% of Tottenham’s goals this season have come in the final 15 minutes of each half.
• Chelsea have proven to be difficult to stop in the final 15 minutes of matches, having scored 37% of their goals in that period in their matches this season.
• Spurs have won 4 matches in a row (their best run this season).
• Spurs have lost 2 matches at home this season, one each against Liverpool and Manchester City, both of whom, along with Chelsea, have stayed above Spurs in league position thus far this season.
• Chelsea are unbeaten in 18 matches in all competitions, since their opening day Community Shield defeat to Manchester City.
• The Blues haven’t conceded a goal in their last 3 away league matches.
• Harry Kane has scored 4 goals in 10 appearances against Manchester City, but hasn’t scored against them in his last 2 matches.
• While Lamela (0 in 5 matches), Moura (0 in 4 matches), and Eriksen (2 in 11 matches) have fairly poor scoring records against Chelsea, Dele Alli has a solid record having scored 5 goals in 5 appearances against Chelsea, including a brace in the last fixture between the two clubs.
• Eden Hazard has a solid scoring record against Spurs with 5 goals in 13 appearances but hasn’t scored a league away goal against them since 2015.

Match Facts & Summary

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Scheduling Considerations:

Both sides enter the match with no external interference or scheduling conflicts post the international break.

Injury Considerations:

Spurs are presently nursing a long injury list with first team squad options Trippier, Rose, Vertonghen and Dembele all expected to be out for the clash with the Blues. Chelsea have no injury concerns ahead of the match.

Expected Line-ups and Tactical Considerations:

Pochettino now has the reputation of having rotated the most of anyone in the league thus far, and it’s a testament to his constant shifts in tactical system, with a 4231 being the most commonly leveraged configuration. The Spaniard places far more emphasis on efficiency rather than volume, reflecting well on how their 20 goals thus far have come from substantially less shots per game (12) for a relatively high possession count (56%).

Injuries will cause some considerable disruption to the preferred back five. Hugo Lloris is a safe bet between the goals, but Kieran Trippier and Jan Vertonghen’s absences may necessitate starts for Serge Aurier and Davinson Sanchez alongside Alderweireld and Davies. In midfield, Pochettino may prefer to repeat the showing against Crystal Palace and elect for the more formidable protection of Sissoko and Wanyama, with Cristian Eriksen as the creative spark off the bench, The front 4 has been far more predictable, with the only question hanging over Heung Min Son, who’s inconsistency may ultimately mean another start for Erik Lamela alongside Alli, Moura and of course, Harry Kane.

Sarri’s Chelsea are a picture of invincible given they’ve yet to lose a game thus far in all competiitons.. Apart from possession averages (63%) which rival that of Arsenal and Manchester City, they’ve also managed to score the 2^nd most goals and remain unbeaten in their last 5 away league games. Sarri’s 433 remains unchanged this season, and it’s been thus far a perfect blend of tactics with his ambitious group of players.

They’ve been spared injury problems, so their first choice XI will likely be unchanged. The backline of Kepa, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz and Alonso should retain their places in defence. The impressive trio of Jorginho, Kovavic, and Kante should start in midfield once again. As for the front 3, star player Hazard will likely be accompanied by the improving Alvaro Morata and wide forward Willian.

Prediction

Chelsea’s form this season continues to impress, not least of which should be a clear sign of the manager’s excellent start alongside a group favorably configured to his tactical approach. Sarri’s team is formidable away from home, and while their creativity isn’t always prolific, it is effective. Their midfield trio continues to receive lavish praise for its blend of defensive utility alongside functional playmaking prowess, especially when combined with their excellent fullbacks. In short, Sarri has produced a well balanced team, capable of keeping pace for a title challenge.

And yet, Spurs are only a single point behind, and feel as if they’ve been largely unspectacular. They been considerably better away from home, and their record at Wembley has been undermined by defeats to top 4 rivals Liverpool and Manchester City. They’ve not been able to prevent mistakes in dangerous areas, and their midfield will likely find it difficult to impose matters upon Kovacic, Kante and Jorginho.

Clashes like this tend to often show disregard for form books, matters of injury, home ground advantage and so forth – but ultimately, the slight edge in form, the greater productivity, and full complement of options should not only make Chelsea the logical favourite for the clash, but in fact make the case that anything resembling a Spurs win should be considered an upset of sorts. Expect a win for Blues, with a Dele Alli goal somewhere in the mix as a consolation for the hosts.

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Please note betting odds quoted are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.