Allen Hamilton
What: English Premier League
Who: Chelsea (2nd; 67 points) vs Tottenham Hotspur (5th; 55 points)
When: Saturday 30th April, 2011, at 17:30 UK time
Where: Stamford Bridge, London, England
Starting to Believe?
Chelsea had all but written off the Premier League title, instead focusing their efforts on trying to overhaul Arsenal to take second. Now, the Gunners have been overhauled and Carlo Ancelotti’s men sit just behind Manchester United. It is therefore only natural that the Blues wonder ‘can we catch them?’
And the answer is still ‘yes’, even according to United manager Sir Alex Ferguson himself. "There is still drama ahead. Two months ago everyone was looking at these two games [Arsenal vs Man Utd and Man Utd vs Chelsea] as league deciders. They probably are now."
Ancelotti will want to ensure that whatever happens at the Emirates the Blues can go to Old Trafford next week with much still on the line and a chance to, even given a United win at the Emirates, close the gap to just three points. And Chelsea will face Tottenham Hotspur here in good heart, with the whole squad delighted to see Fernando Torres score his first goal in a blue shirt against West Ham last weekend. The 3-0 victory was comfortable and once again Ancelotti’s side look in fine form.
Charge for Fourth Place On?
Tottenham head to Chelsea under no illusions – a win is needed. Sat four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City, Harry Redknapp’s side look poised to finish one spot lower than last season and thus miss out on another season of Champions League football. However, Redknapp, whose side took Europe by storm with a run to the quarter-finals, is in no mood to give up just yet and firmly believes catching City is still possible.
"Man City are in pole position now but it’s all to play for. We have to be positive and win as many as we can. It can still be done", said the Spurs boss.
Winning at Stamford Bridge would be a big step towards making sure Redknapp’s side truly believe they can catch City and take a top four spot. The White Hate Lane side have tough fixtures ahead, with trips to City themselves and Liverpool to come before the season finishes. To emerge with the three points though Spurs will have to break a poor recent record at Chelsea, not having won at the Blues’ home since 1990.
Recent form
Chelsea:
West Brom 1-3 Chelsea (16/04; Premier League)
Chelsea 3-1 Birmingham City (20/04; Premier League)
Chelsea 3-0 West Ham (23/04; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur:
Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Real Madrid (13/04; Champions League)
Tottenham Hotspur 3-3 Arsenal (20/04; Premier League)
Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 West Brom (23/04; Premier League)
Key absences
Chelsea: None
Tottenham Hotspur: Vedran Corluka (doubt); Ledley King (doubt); Tom Huddlestone (doubt); Jonathan Woodgate (doubt); Benoit Assou-Ekotto; Alan Hutton; Wilson Palacios
Players to watch
Chelsea – Didier Drogba: Ancelotti is expected to pair Torres and Drogba up front together despite great uncertainty persisting over whether the duo can strike up an effective partnership. Drogba nevertheless will be eager to impress and, if anyone is to be responsible for firing Chelsea back into the title race, the Ivorian will want it to be him.
Tottenham Hotspur – Rafael van der Vaart: Chelsea can be a stubborn side to break down and their recent superiority at this ground over Spurs could well play on the minds of some of the members of Redknapp’s team. However, Van der Vaart is unlikely to be affected. The Dutchman is a fresh face, in his first season, and has excelled. The former Real Madrid man can create magic.
Match Prediction
Chelsea feel that they have something worthwhile to play for, besides second spot in the league, and with the bit between their teeth can be expected to go all out for the three points. Spurs too need a victory, anything less could signal the end of their Champions League hopes. This is a game that should be filled with attacking intent. A scoring draw looks the most likely outcome in what may be a thriller. Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham Hotspur.
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