Spurs vs Chelsea preview
It feels like seasons ago when these two clubs met each other in a competitive fixture. Chelsea were still a force to be reckoned with in the football world and Tottenham were far from the inconsistent side they are today. Thomas Tuchel was still in charge of the Blues and so was Roman Abramovich.
Since then both these clubs have gone their respective paths, even though it hasn’t been fruitful for either of them. Chelsea have since sacked Tuchel, and Abramovich has sold the Stamford Bridge outfit to Todd Boehly led consortium. They have also signed dozens of players since the new owners have taken over but that has had little to no effect on their results so far.
Spurs on the other hand after their indifferent start to the Premier League and Champions League, have somewhat found their feet under Antonio Conte. Although far from the levels they visioned themselves to perform at, the ship has been steadied by the Italian – barring some horrendous performances and results.
This game is crucial for either team’s European aspirations. Chelsea are still hopeful of Champions League qualification, but they need to act soon on it if they have any chance of achieving that. Spurs currently just sit inside the Premier League’s top 4, but any blip in form will see their stint cut short over there.
Graham Potter’s men sit in 10th in the league, but whats interesting here is the fact that they turn it up in the big games. Even against Dortmund, despite losing 1-0 away, Chelsea put in an attractive display of football only to be hitting the woodwork thrice. The result of this game will have serious ramifications in the top-half of the Premier League table and could shape the rest of the season in the English top-flight.
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Spurs vs Chelsea – Team news
Spurs and Conte have been lucky with injuries this season. Although, Son and Richarlison’s recent spell on the sidelines have had a direct impact on the performances of the North London club. The likes of Hugo Lloris, Bissouma, Bentancur and Sessenngnon are on the treatment table for Spurs. Having said that, Conte has enough strength in depth to pose a stiff challenge for Potter’s men.
Predicted Spurs lineup: Forster, Romero, Dier, Lenglet, Royal, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Perisic, Kulusevski, Kane, Richarlison
Just a stat & nothing else 😌#RealMadrid #Chelsea #ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/076pqvINSG
— FootTheBall FC (@FootTheBallFC) February 22, 2023
Chelsea on the other have a string of injuries. Mendy, Azpillicueta, Kante, Pulisic and Broja are still recovering from their respective injuries. Other than that Potter has a complete set of players to choose from.
Predicted Chelsea lineup: Kepa, James, Thiago Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell, Enzo, Kovacic, Felix, Madueke, Havertz, Mudryk
Spurs vs Chelsea prediction
Chelsea are in a rut. potter knows that and Boehly too is under no illusion that things need to improve quickly. Technical director Christopher Vivell called for an urgent strategic meeting midweek taking into account Chelsea’s woeful form. Fans have raised the question of why Potter hasn’t been sacked yet, but the board have his backing even with 2 wins from 14 games.
Spurs and Conte have regained some form after losing to Leicester and AC Milan. On paper, this should be a straightforward game for the North London outfit. But with football as unpredictable as it is, Chelsea are very well in the run for this contest. FootTheBall predicts Spurs 1-1 Chelsea.