Stamford Bridge has notoriously been a miserable hunting ground for Tottenham in recent years. In fact, the Lilywhites have won just eight games against Chelsea in the Premier League era.
Ange Postecoglou's side approach their clash with Chelsea, currently projected their worst points total (45) in the Premier League since 1997/98.
It has been nearly three weeks since Tottenham last played, with the fans demanding a far more respectable performance than that showcased in their abysmal 2-0 defeat to Fulham in their previous outing.
When the teams faced off in December, Tottenham's vibrant start, which saw them go 2-0 in the opening quarter of an hour, was emphatically dismantled by Enzo Maresca's side.
A Cole Palmer brace inspired Chelsea's comeback, which saw them emerge 4-3 victors, with very few spectators surprised about the overturn- which seemed an inevitability.
This lack of conviction to maintain leads, is one of many aspects of Tottenham's season that simply has to improve if they are to be back competing for Europe again.
There is no doubt that the fate of Tottenham's, and likely Postecoglou's future, will be dictated by their Europa League campaign. However, a strong performance against their fierce London rivals will undoubtedly provide the club with a much needed lift, as we enter the last two months of the season.
Lack of goal threat a common theme against Chelsea
If there is a glimmer of positivity to be taken from Tottenham's current situation, it's that they have acquired a significantly stronger goal difference than any other side in the bottom half of the table (12). With Postecoglou's chaotic style of football often providing an abundance of goals at either end.
However, in recent weeks, even this mild aspect of positivity has eluded Spurs, having failed to score in three of their last six matches.
This lack of attacking threat is no abnormality against Chelsea either. Tottenham have scored just 11 goals in their previous 16 matches against the West-London side, with just two wins in that same period.
Cristian Romero has received a great deal of scrutiny, as many fans believe that he prioritises performing for his national side, Argentina, over Tottenham.
Romero has been absent for over half of Tottenham's 29 Premier league games this season. But despite this, and showcasing a petulant attitude as captain against Fulham, went on to display two impressive performances for Argentina, who won both of their international fixtures against Uruguay and Brazil.
Improvement in defence is much required against Chelsea, with Tottenham conceding 10 goals in the two side's three previous encounters.
It has been reported that Tottenham are open to selling Romero in the upcoming transfer window, amid rumours that Atletico Madrid are keen on signing the 26 year-old.
Regardless of this speculation, Postecoglou will be reliant on his vice captain to improve on his club form, with the likelihood he will play, due to the injuries suffered by defenders: Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin.
Disjointed and inconsistent - what needs to change?
Another detail of Tottenham's underwhelming recent outings, is the lack of clarity in their tactics.
Postecoglou has made it clear on multiple occasions, that he is persistent on continuing with his high-pressing, aggressive tactics, which have produced contrasting results on many occasions.
Despite this, it seems as though even the identity in Tottenham's performances has become unrecognisable.
The predictable high line and control of possession, common to Tottenham's approach, no longer seems to be present. Having been dominated in each of their last three outings by: Fulham, Bournemouth and Manchester City.
There really seems to be no fluidity and patterns common to Tottenham in recent times, with Postecoglou's 4-3-3 formation proving to be very uninspiring no matter who he fields in the starting lineup.
This is an aspect of the club's desperate situation that will have to change, if there is any chance that the team can overturn their current form and have a realistic shot in competing for Europa League success.