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Two-time Player of the Year labels Chelsea favourites against Spurs

Ray Wilkins is of the opinion that we hold the edge in our upcoming, must-win encounter against Spurs next Sunday. The former Chelsea midfielder, who won the Player of the Year awards in 1976 and 1977, said that Harry Kane’s absence will be a big factor in determining the outcome of the London derby at Stamford Bridge. As quoted here by Sky SportsWilkins said:

“It’s a must-win against Tottenham on Sunday, absolute must-win. Tottenham are without Harry Kane, which gives Chelsea the edge.

Tottenham are in good form; I think Chelsea playing against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge will have the upper hand.”

He went on to say that we need to go for the jugular and play N’Golo Kante and Cesc Fabregas in midfield, thereby taking the game to Spurs right from the off.

We are currently 5 points behind Spurs, who hold the final Champions League qualification place. We are also yet to face 3rd placed Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this season. While also winning these games, we need some other results to go our way too if we are to qualify for European club football’s most elite competition next season. Anything other than all 3 points this weekend, and it’s all but done and dusted.

The absence of Kane will be a pivotal factor, as Mauricio Pochettino’s have in the past looked toothless without their target man. The Englishman is currently on 24 league goals for the season, but was stretchered off with an ankle injury against Bournemouth a couple of weeks ago. There is still a lot of talent on display in the Spurs that can hurt us. Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli both scored in games against us last season, while South Korean Son Heung-Min has been one of the Lilywhites’ most consistent performers of 2018.

Recent encounters with our London rivals have certainly been memorable, both in a good and a bad way. Our 13-match winning streak was ended at White Hart Lane in January last year, and were beaten 5-3 at the same ground in 2015. However, a come-from-behind 2-2 draw at the Bridge in May 2016 sealed Spurs’ fate in the title race, relegating them to second and handing Leicester City the most incredible sporting victory of modern times. This is a match Spurs will never forget, and their bitterness on the day was pretty embarrassing, as they completely lost control and squared off with our players at every possible occasion. Nine of their players were booked that day .

Thereverse fixture at Wembley this season was dramatic, too. Following an opening day defeat to Burnley at home, we didn’t know what to expect again Kane & Co., and we’re expecting the worst. A heroic Marcos Alonso brace, including a winner in the last 10 minutes, made sure our season didn’t get off to a disastrous start.

Whatever happens, this game guarantees to bring drama aplenty. There is also a lot of quality on show, so we can expect some great football as well. In the end though, any result other than a win will be completely useless from our point of view.

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