Nelson Mandela was still in prison the last time Tottenham managed a win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. It should not deter Chelsea from the fact that Tottenham are better equipped than ever to claim their first league win since 1990. Rafa Benitez’ men will be going into the match knowing that a victory tonight will almost secure a Champions League qualification spot.
Even with all the rotation from Benitez in recent months, Chelsea looked leggy at times in the 1-0 win over Manchester United. This will be Chelsea’s 69th match of the season, but a victory in it could help us relax in the remaining fixtures.
Much of Chelsea’s good form in recent months has been built on the home record, as the team has managed six consecutive victories at Stamford Bridge. Stopping Gareth Bale has to be one of the important priorities in the match, as the Welsh winger has been responsible for one third of the Tottenham goals this season. Stopping him and Jermain Defoe will put us closer to victory.
Chelsea vs Tottenham 2012/13 interesting statistics:
[list type=”check”]
- Tottenham have scored two or more goals in the last four away matches
- Chelsea have won the last 6 Premier League home matches
- Chelsea are undefeated against Tottenham in the last 15 home matches
- Fernando Torres has not scored a goal in more than 1000 minutes of league football[/list]
Demba Ba was not at his best against Manchester United, and Torres can expect a recall to the first-team. The biggest news for Benitez, though, will be the return of Hazard, who missed the United match due to a calf strain.
“Hazard was training in a normal training session. He is fine, he is in the squad,” said Benitez to Sky Sports.
Oriol Romeu is also back from injury and he could play a part in the match.
Villas-Boas has done extremely well since leaving Chelsea. Often former players and managers come back to haunt football clubs. I just hope that it is not the case with Villas-Boas.
“It’s not very, very special. It’s a club that I have gone past. I have good and bad memories like everybody else, but it’s a pity it didn’t finish as I would have liked,” said Villas-Boas.
Get your Chelsea FC match tickets at Viagogo
