Allen Hamilton
What: English FA Cup (semi-final)
Who: Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea
When: Sunday 15th April, 2012, at 18:00 UK Time
Where: Wembley, London, England
Ending the Slump
Tottenham Hotspur looked to be coasting to a Champions League spot through their Premier League heroics just two months ago, but since that time Harry Redknapp’s men have struggled for form. While the FA Cup is a sideshow from the return to Europe’s elite which Spurs crave, Redknapp, who could bow out of the White Hart Lane hot seat at the end of the season to take over at England, would dearly love to win a trophy with the club.
"This is a great opportunity for us to go all the way this year", said Redknapp. "On our day we can beat Chelsea. We can beat anyone. There is not a lot between the two teams, but they have the medals to show for it."
Spurs must find some form though, with just one win from their last eight games, but if there is a time to rekindle their earlier performances, this could be the match which provides the spark. There may be some concern however about defender Ledley King missing the clash, along with Michael Dawson and Younes Kaboul, meaning a Ryan Nelsen-William Gallas centre back pairing looks likely.
The one fact which can be guaranteed about this FA Cup clash is that, unlike the two games the pair have contested in the Premier League this season, there will be a winner.
Eye on Wednesday?
For Chelsea, while the FA Cup is important and would polish up a dull looking season, it is clearly not the priority. Champions League football is needed at Stamford Bridge next season and in the current edition, the Blues are due to meet Barcelona in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Wednesday. But at Wembley, with a spot in the final at stake, Chelsea will probably be caught up in the heat of the moment and focus entirely on matters at hand.
Regardless of the dent the FA Cup’s reputation has taken in the last decade, for players turning out at Wembley still matters. Spanish hitman Fernando Torres especially is one man desperate to set foot on the hallowed turf.
"Wembley has so much history, English teams have a couple of chances every season to play there and it’s massive", said Torres. "All the players want to play in these games, it’s my fifth season in England, but this is the first time I am going there."
The Blues are set to be boosted by the return of defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole. But what risks caretaker manager Roberto Di Matteo takes, with Barcelona to come in midweek, remains to be seen.
Recent form
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Swansea City (01/04; Premier League)
Sunderland 0-0 Tottenham Hotspur (07/04; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Norwich City (09/04; Premier League)
Chelsea:
Chelsea 2-1 Benfica (04/04; Champions League)
Chelsea 2-1 Wigan Athletic (07/04; Premier League)
Fulham 1-1 Chelsea (09/04; Premier League)
Key absences
Tottenham Hotspur: Ledley King (doubt); Michael Dawson; Niko Kranjcar; Younes Kaboul; Tom Huddlestone
Chelsea: Ryan Bertrand; Oriol Romeu
Players to watch
Tottenham Hotspur – Gareth Bale: The Welshman has struck a supremely confident figure during the build-up to this game and expects his side to be able to reach the final if on song. Bale’s surging runs down the flank may cause Chelsea real problems and he has the ability to turn the game Spurs’ way.
Chelsea – Fernando Torres: Excited about Wembley, Torres appears to feel he will play in this game, which may mean the Spaniard being selected at the expense of Didier Drogba. With a meeting against his old club Liverpool up for grabs, Torres will be determined to fire Chelsea through.
Match Prediction
Spurs appear slightly hungrier for victory, despite words coming out of the Chelsea camp insisting there is a real focus on this clash. For the Blues, winning the FA Cup would not make up for missing out on next season’s Champions League, while for Tottenham it could be Redknapp’s parting gift. Expect Spurs to edge this. Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Chelsea.
Tottenham v Chelsea looks too close to call. Who will you bet on? Make sure you visit OLBG for tips and to compare the current odds and betting markets available at all the important bookmakers.
