Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League
Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in their next Premier League match on Sunday, December 8th, as they look to get back to winning ways after two successive winless results in the English top-flight, including a recent defeat to Bournemouth away from home. As a matter of fact, Spurs have won just once in their last six outings, against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium a fortnight back.
Their results thereafter have put them on the verge of dropping into the bottom half of the standings with Enzo Maresca’s rejuvenated Chelsea coming into the side as comfortable favourites to bag the bragging rights in the London Derby. That said, Ange Postecoglou will hope that hope advantage works in his side’s favour and propels the team towards a vital win on the weekend.
Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur remain without Rodrigo Bentancur owing to a suspension. Ben Davies also could miss out having pulled up at the Vitality Stadium last time out, while Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will also not make the game. Guglielmo Vicario, Richarlison and Wilson Odobert have also been ruled out while doubts continue to persist over Mikey Moore’s involvement in the game.
The offensive department’s misfiring in recent outings has been a particular cause for concern in the Tottenham camp although Postecoglou’s decision of resting Son Heung-min in the midweek clash could reap its rewards. The South Korean will undoubtedly be the team’s most influential player if they are to win considering his record against the league’s better sides over the last few years.
PREDICTED TOTTENHAM XI (4-3-3): Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Udogie; Kulusevski, Sarr, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League.
Chelsea
Chelsea will be coming into the game having thumped Southampton 5-1 in their midweek Premier League game, while also having rested several players. Enzo Maresca’s camp does not have any suspensions but the Italian manager will be without the likes of Reece James, Wesley Fofana and Mykhaylo Mudryk – all of whom have been confirmed as absentees in his pre-match press conference.
Cole Palmer is in fantastic form and has 15 goal contributions in the English top flight this season, while Spurs will need to keep a close eye on Nicolas Jackson as well having scored a treble the last time Chelsea visited the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League. Unfortunately for the hosts, Chelsea’s offensive form and their immaculate efficiency in the final third are enough to make them clear-cut favourites to grab all three points.
PREDICTED CHELSEA XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Match Preview: Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League.
Match-deciding duel
Son Heung-min vs Malo Gusto
Son Heung-min has a commendable record against opponents from London and having been rested in the clash against Bournemouth, the Tottenham captain will look to perform at his peak against Chelsea. He will be up against a dynamic full back in Malo Gusto, who contributes to good measure on both ends of the pitch.
Son will have a number of opportunities to run in behind, as well as the chance to take Gusto on. How he performs against his individual opponent and whether he can navigate into the box with or without the ball will go a long way in determining the course of the game.
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Prediction
Tottenham 1-3 Chelsea
Tottenham Hotspur will be able to breach Chelsea’s defence, which has not kept too many clean sheets this time around but a depleted backline will struggle to keep the Blues’ offensive department dormant. Ange Postecoglou’s side will suffer another defeat, this time on home soil, and the Australian will come under even more pressure owing to recent results.