Venue: White Hart Lane
Date: Thursday, 22 December
Kick-off: 2000 GMT
So, it’s Spurs for us tonight although unlike years gone by, its them that go into this one as ‘favourites’ apparently.
After dropping points we’ll be under the microscope, with all the pressure on AVB again as the press continue to kiss Redknapp’s arse but we’re well used to that now – although the Steward’s cameras might put JT off.
MANAGERS’ VIEWS
Going into tonight’s game, despite being made favourites by the press, Redknapp says “I wouldn’t say we are favourites. It looks like an even game and we were not saying that a few years ago. We have come a long way. And I’ve no doubt that Chelsea will be there at the end of the season going for trophies. They have fantastic players, mentally strong players who have been there and won it all.”
Andre Villas-Boas meanwhile, says “Tottenham have made their title contention quite open to the public as well and it is an important fixture for the outcome of what happens at the end of the season. It is a massive game with Tottenham with one game in hand. It represents great history and tradition between two London clubs and it is important that we try to win the game to keep our title hopes alive.”
SQUAD NEWS
For Spurs, Huddlestone (ankle), Dawson (Achilles) and Lennon (hamstring) miss out, whilst King (knee), Defoe (hamstring) and Bale (ankle) are given as doubtful. Younes Kaboul returns from suspension and Adebayor (foot) should play.
For Chelsea, Essien and Luiz (both knee) are out although John Terry (Achilles) should play and Ramires has recovered from his leg injury.
TEAMS
SPURS (from): Gomes, Friedel, Cudicini, Bale, Corluka, Bassong, Rose, Kaboul, Gallas, King, Walker, Assou-Ekotto, Parker, Modric, Livermore, Townsend, Carroll, Fredericks, Falque, Sandro, Pienaar, Pavlyuchenko, Defoe, Dos Santos, Adebayor, Van der Vaart, Kane.
CHELSEA (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole, Mikel, Romeu, Lampard, Ramires, McEachran, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, Torres, Drogba, Kalou, Sturridge, Lukaku, Turnbull.
LAST SEASON
Spurs 1-1 Chelsea (12th December 2010)
PREDICTION
Well, its Spurs and certainly not six point lane anymore. In fact, we haven’t won there in our last 5 visits. We’ve just about been written off anyway and with both Manchester clubs keeping the press’ right hands busy last night, I anticipate some real issues with cramp for them if Spurs make it 6 in a row. Will they though? Probably!