The Premier League title race is heating up as the moves toward the end of the first half. Chelsea are among the favourites recommended for the title, but behind Man City and Liverpool. However, recent updated soccer odds have seen them pipped other clubs to become bookmakers top favourites.
The Blues dethroned Liverpool at the summit of the league table courtesy of their 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, while the Reds were held to a barren draw by Southampton. The win over Middlesbrough made it their sixth consecutive win without conceding. As the Premier League enters its 13th week, Chelsea will clash with their London and title rival Tottenham Hotspur this weekend at the Stamford Bridge.
Spurs are the only club remaining unbeaten in the league and are four points off the summit position. They have won six and drawn six of their 12 games. A moment of magic from Harry Kane helped them overturned a 1-2 deficit to win 3-2 against West Ham United thanks to the English striker grabbing a brace late into the match.
The two London clubs boast of strong defensive records in the league. The Blues have conceded just nine goals while the Lilywhites have leaked in just eight goals in 12 games. While it promises to be a cracker, Tottenham go into the match already wounded following their exit from the Champions League on Tuesday after losing 1-2 to Monaco.
Diego Costa Vs Harry Kane: Who wins the battle?
Diego Costa has rediscovered his form this season and he is firing on all cylinders. He is currently the Premier League top scorer with 10 goals. He is known for his aggressiveness and likes to bully defenders. He is a threat to Tottenham’s make-up defence.
Harry Kane has scored four goals in his last three league games since returning from injury. He won the Golden Boot last season. The English striker is unstoppable when fit and he is going to cause problems for the Blues defence.
Chelsea Line-up
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has named the same starting line-up in his last six league games and may decide to stick with them for the London Derby.
Thibaut Courtois will continue in between the sticks for the Blues. David Luiz will be in the middle of a three-man defence with Cesar Azpilicueta on the left and Gary Cahill on the right.
N’Golo Kante has proved his worth since joining from Leicester City and preferred ahead of John Mikel Obi. He will be joined in the midfield by Nemanja Matic, who has provided five assists so far this season. Victor Moses whose form has been a surprise this season will retain his position at the right-back and Marcus Alonso continues at the left-back.
Diego Costa will be sandwiched between Eden Hazard on the left and Pedro on the right. Both Costa and Hazard have scored 17 goals between them.
