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With all now set for the 178th meeting between these two London rivals. We take a brief look at how both teams are shaped up going into this Sunday evening classic at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The hosts will go into this clash having been dealt another defensive injury blow on Thursday evening as Ben Davies was withdrawn in the second half clutching the back of his leg. The Welsh defender, who had been filling in for the injured Micky van de Ven, will be unavailable against Chelsea this evening.In other positive news, there is a chance that Cristian Romero returns to the lineup. Spurs manager, Ange Postecoglou has confirmed that the Argentinian defender is back in team training and could be involved against Chelsea in some capacity, with Davies’ injury perhaps fast-tracking his comeback.Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will be missing in goal and is set to be replaced by veteran Fraser Forster, while Rodrigo Bentancur continues to serve his seven-match domestic suspension. Wilson Odobert, Richarlison and Mikey Moore are out of action as well.
For Chelsea, Wesley Fofana has joined Captain Reece James – who celebrates his birthday today – on the sidelines as both wouldn’t be a part of this one.Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable due to illness but the rest of Chelsea’s deep squad is set to feature. With games coming thick and fast for the Blues.Nicolas Jackson was given the night off during the 5-1 win over Southampton and while his deputy Christopher Nkunku impressed, the Senegalese should return to the starting lineup following his incredible start to the campaign.In goal, Robert Sanchez should come back into the XI after Maresca declared that he was the number one during his pre-match press conference and Levi Colwill will also be in contention to start in the back four.
THE BATTLES:
1) Spurs Defence line being without their first-choice center-backs could be exploited by Chelsea players who have the quality to capitalize from through balls, as they currently lead that chat with 42 through balls level with Aston Villa in second.
2) Battle of the press. Dominic Solanke will certainly do his best to force mistakes from the likes of Chelsea defenders Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo and Axel Disasi, he iss tireless in running and applying pressure than any other top-flight player this season.
3) Fernandez dominance in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield in the recent weeks, venturing forward with a little more confidence is undoubtedly a plus for Chelsea and a major disadvantage for Spurs.
4) Possiblity of Spurs hitting Chelsea down on the flanks which has been a major flaw with Maresca’s tactical set-up with spaces left down the side of his central defenders. With one full-back usually high and infield.
5) Who’ll be the best on the break? With both head coaches bringing a positive style of play to this derby, exhibiting relentless ball carrying strength at both ends. Kulusevski and Noni Madueke being the players to watch out for.
