Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea, 8PM SS1

GavRedKing

V

Chelsea fans used to regularly taunt their Tottenham counterparts by labelling the North Londoners' home "Three Point Lane", but the Blues' once imperious away record - they went 19 years without a league defeat at White Hart Lane between 1987 and 2006 - has evaporated in recent times. The North Londoners ended their abysmal home run five years ago with a 2-1 victory and have not lost on their own turf since.

Last season's 1-1 draw at the Lane had a similar preceding storyline to this Thursday's clash; Tottenham had been enjoying a rich vein of form, while Chelsea had been struggling to assert themselves - Carlo Ancelotti's side went into the game winless in six, part of a dire streak that eventually cost them the Premier League title.

The Blues are not currently looking as toothless as the December 2010 vintage, though last week's surprise concession of a point to Wigan negated some of the good work done over the past month to arrest what had become an alarming slide of five defeats in nine games. Question marks still hang over Andre Villas-Boas about his team selection, reliance on the old guard and Didier Drogba and John Terry's apparent penchant for delivering team talks. However, the recent 2-1 defeat of Manchester City at least showed that the Portuguese boss was capable of beating one of the league's top sides - having previously tasted defeat against Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.

Tottenham can certainly be bracketed with those clubs this season, having bounced back from an abysmal start to win 11 of their past 13 games. There has been plenty of talk about "proving title credentials" before the game and a win against Chelsea will abet manager Harry Redknapp's claims that his side are genuine contenders. A loss would not be catastrophic for Spurs, though it would see them leapfrogged into third place by their opponents - with two potential banana skins away to the Citys of Norwich and Swansea making up the rest of the North Londoners' festive schedule.

Redknapp received a boost on Tuesday with news that Aaron Lennon's hamstring injury is not as bad as first feared and the winger could be welcomed back in just two weeks' time. However, his absence for Chelsea's visit provides a wing dilemma for Spurs; in the 1-0 win against Sunderland last Sunday, Rafael van der Vaart moved to the left and Luka Modric to the right when Lennon came off. But while the steely central midfield pairing of Sandro and Scott Parker could be favoured again versus the Blues, one of forgotten men Niko Kranjcar or Steven Pienaar could find themselves drafted back into the side, with Modric then able to wield his influence in the middle and the (possibly) returning Gareth Bale back on the left.

Interesting game for us tonight, we have Ramires back fit and will offer a huge boost for us.

I can see Chelsea winning tonight.

Spurs 1 - 3 Chelsea.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Not confident at all about this one. King and Bale are 50/50 while Lennon is definitely out. We seemed to have hit a lull in the past 2 games, I'd happily take a draw just to be 3rd for the Christmas.

GavRedKing

As long as we dont lose this game I'll be happy. If we are 5 points behind and ye have a game in hand it will be a difficult task to over turn that gap.

everdead.ie

With the possibility of king Ade Bale and Lennon all being out I'm not lookIng forward to this game

Kiith

I was optimistic about this, until we lost quite a few players to injury. Without Bale and Lennon on the wings, we lose a lot of our attacking prowess. And with Chelsea's high line, they could have done some serious damage. But we'll see.

Going to stay as optimistic as i can though, and say 2-1 to Spurs.

Cantona's Collars

C'mon Spurs,always had a soft spot for them even if United are my team.

The lack of width could be a problem tonight but Chelsea aren't exactly solid at the back.

Spurs team should wear pointy hats with their all white kit to make Terry feel at ease:pac:

GavRedKing

With Lennon out and Bale a doubt, Chelsea should win this game. we have more then enough upfront to play through Spurs. Sturridge against Assou-Ekouto(sp) is going to be our main threat, if Spurs can stop Mata coming in field and dictating play then that will be a huge source of our play stopped also.

Mr. Guappa

@ OP: It is Tottenham Hotspur not Tottenham Hotspurs.

Anyway, I expect a statement win from a slightly weakened Spurs side tonight. We will shut down Mata and keep Sturridge frustrated, leaving Chelsea devoid of ideas and a threat. I feel this will be one of those iconic 4-0 type results. (DVD rushed out for christmas:cool:)

No idea why I'm so confident, normally fairly pessimistic regarding Spurs.

everdead.ie

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

@ OP: It is Tottenham Hotspur not Tottenham Hotspurs.

Anyway, I expect a statement win from a slightly weakened Spurs side tonight. We will shut down Mata and keep Sturridge frustrated, leaving Chelsea devoid of ideas and a threat. I feel this will be one of those iconic 4-0 type results. (DVD rushed out for christmas:cool:)

No idea why I'm so confident, normally fairly pessimistic regarding Spurs.

I reckon Sturridge will struggle against Benny Tonight given well he's Benny :cool:

GavRedKing

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

@ OP: It is Tottenham Hotspur not Tottenham Hotspurs.

Fixed that for ya, I took it from a website so took it as gospel.

Anyway, I expect a statement win from a slightly weakened Spurs side tonight. We will shut down Mata and keep Sturridge frustrated, leaving Chelsea devoid of ideas and a threat. I feel this will be one of those iconic 4-0 type results. (DVD rushed out for christmas:cool:)

No idea why I'm so confident, normally fairly pessimistic regarding Spurs.

Fairly confident arent ya?? :pac: If Spurs beat us 4-0 I'll get ready to eat a rather large hat for x-mas dinner.


:pac:

Mr. Guappa

gavredking wrote: »

Fairly confident arent ya?? :pac: If Spurs beat us 4-0 I'll get ready to eat a rather large hat for x-mas dinner.

I'd probably take a draw to be honest but a win would really signal our intent for the rest of the season.

GavRedKing

Mr. Guappa wrote: »

I'd probably take a draw to be honest but a win would really signal our intent for the rest of the season.

I said it earlier, if Spurs win, then there in prime position to take 3rd and maybe push Utd for 2nd. A Spurs win and I'd be worried for the rest of our season and our campaign to finish in the top 4, which should be the very minimum we are aiming for.

Our next 4 games are, (H) Fulham, (H) Villa, (A) Wolves and (H) Sunderland.

If we can take 13 points from the next 5 games I'd be delighted, winning all 5 would be exceptional but its hard to call games over the x-mas period.

Johner

Bale will probably start though won't he?

Going to be a tough game would probably take a draw.

GavRedKing

Johner wrote: »

Bale will probably start though won't he?

Going to be a tough game would probably take a draw.

If Bale is any bit fit he'll start tonight, hes really integral to what Spurs are all about. I wouldnt worry about his pace against Bosingwa but if he gets free of him we'll be in trouble and in 90 minutes thats going to happen at least once.

Still think we'll get three points from the Lane.

handsomecake

spurs to win this comfortably imo.



coys.


kick racism out of football.

everdead.ie

Defoe ruled out of tonights game

GavRedKing

everdead.ie wrote: »

Defoe ruled out of tonights game

That gives JT one less target.

amacachi

I'm hoping it's pretty open game, could be a very entertaining match.

Sgt Pepper 64

amacachi wrote: »

I'm hoping it's pretty open game, could be a very entertaining match.

I'm hoping its a boring 9-0 to chelsea with hatricks from drogba, danny and torres off the bench!

Luap

2-0 Chelsea Drogba and Lampard peno.

GavRedKing

Maloney_o9 wrote: »

2-0 Chelsea Drogba and Lampard peno.

Once Drogba doesnt step up I dont care.

Especially after this :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdykaNS1uIo

SuprSi

Interesting stat for tonights game;

• Spurs have conceeded 997 goals in the PL
• Drogba needs 3 more goals to reach 100 in the PL

What are the odds of it happening this evening! :P

Johner

SuprSi wrote: »

Interesting stat for tonights game;

• Spurs have scored 997 goals in the PL
• Drogba needs 3 more goals to reach 100 in the PL

What are the odds of it happening this evening! :P

I thought Drogba needs 2 more but it could be 3. Where is that stat from?

He is one away from 150 in all comps anyway. Hope he gets that tonight!

GavRedKing

Johner wrote: »

I thought Drogba needs 2 more but it could be 3. Where is that stat from?

He is one away from 150 in all comps anyway. Hope he gets that tonight!

Well according to Wikipedia hes ranked as having 98 goals in EPL for us, but also that he already has 150 in all comps.

Wouldnt be the first time Wikipedia was wrong.

Johner

gavredking wrote: »

Well according to Wikipedia hes ranked as having 98 goals in EPL for us, but also that he already has 150 in all comps.

Wouldnt be the first time Wikipedia was wrong.

Must be 3 away from 100 in the PL so! The 2 Valenica goals took him to 149 in all comps.

Spurs have a decent record against us at WHL in recent times, it's not 3 point lane any more but hopefully it will be tonight! :pac:

GavRedKing

Johner wrote: »

Must be 3 away from 100 in the PL so! The 2 Valenica goals took him to 149 in all comps.

Spurs have a decent record against us at WHL in recent times, it's not 3 point lane any more but hopefully it will be tonight! :pac:

These are the teams that lined up the last time we beat spurs at the Lane in '05.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-2):

Paul Robinson (capt); Paul Stalteri, Michael Dawson, Anthony Gardner, Stephen Kelly; Teemu Tainio (Aaron Lennon 45), Michael Carrick, Edgar Davids, Andy Reid; Jerome Defoe, Ahmed Mido Hossam

Subs Not Used: Radek Cerny, Noureddine Naybet, Michael Brown, Robbie Keane

Booked: Anthony Gardner, Andy Reid, Edgar Davids

Sent Off: Ahmed Mido Hossam (25) (violent conduct)

Chelsea (4-5-1):

Petr Cech; Paulo Ferreira, William Gallas, John Terry (capt), Asier Del Horno; Joe Cole (Shaun Wright-Phillips 63), Michael Essien, Claude Makelele, Frank Lampard, Damien Duff (Robert Huth 89); Didier Drogba (Hernan Crespo 67)

Subs Not Used: Carlo Cudicini, Eidur Gudjohnsen

Booked: Michael Essien, Joe Cole

Goals: Del Horno, Duff

SuprSi

I remember that match, and being outraged at Mido's sending off. Very anxious about the match tonight to be honest. I guess it depends on who lines up and whether Bale/King/Adebayor are missing.

We've won 6 from 7 at home though so hopefully we'll keep that run going.

Johner

I'd say at least 2 of those 3 will start. Redknapp just playing mind games.

GavRedKing

Johner wrote: »

I'd say at least 2 of those 3 will start. Redknapp just playing mind games.

If I was a Spurs fan I'd probably rather start with Bale/King. Bale offers so much to Spurs going forward and tracks back fairly well, King is a good defender and Spurs back line is much stronger and organised with him in the team.

Adebayor is a good striker but in Pavelychenko (sp) they have a decent replacement.

Going to be a good game tonight. Finishing up in work this afternoon so might head out for a few drinks for this.

Leiva

With Bale & Defoe out it puts a different spin on this .

If they were playing i wouldn't have looked past a Spurs win , but now i am calling it as a draw .

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Looks like Bale, Defoe and King are all missing. I'd snap your hand off for a draw now.


Old 'Arry could be playing mind games though..

thebison

THFC wrote: »

Looks like Bale, Defoe and King are all missing. I'd snap your hand off for a draw now.


Old 'Arry could be playing mind games though..

Source?

I reckon Arry is def playing mind games.

I heard that it was Defoe and Lennon that were out?

SuprSi

If we're missing Bale, Lennon, King, and Defoe I think we'll really struggle. It'll have to be plan B, and that's not what you want to have to resort to against a top team.

Lemlin

SuprSi wrote: »

If we're missing Bale, Lennon, King, and Defoe I think we'll really struggle. It'll have to be plan B, and that's not what you want to have to resort to against a top team.

Is Ade not doubtful too?

SuprSi

Hah yeah I forgot about him too. Not good if that's the case.

Paully D

Wes Brown is my first sub if Bale or Adebayor don't make it, not too bad!

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

thebison wrote: »

Source?

I reckon Arry is def playing mind games.

I heard that it was Defoe and Lennon that were out?

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/22122011/58/premier-league-matchpack-tottenham-hotspur-v-chelsea.html

Bale is 'very doubtful' apparently.

MUSEIST

I'm fairly certain that bale will play, will be an interesting game. Not really sure what I think will happen.

everdead.ie

Sky reporting Ade fit to play Bale is also looking like he's going to play I think

everdead.ie

King Ade and Bale all fit to start only Defoe and Lennon out

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Suddenly feel a lot more confident.

Masked Man

Really want Alex to start and put Brana out right, not a chance it happens though.

The thoughts of Bale and Bosingwa playing

Johner

I know Bosingwa isn't a great defender but he is the best option for RB tonight as has the pace to deal with Bale.

Blatter

Adebayor starts.

Johner

Lampard and Torres on the bench.

everdead.ie

---

Friedel
Walker--Gallas--King--BAE

Bale--Parker--Sandro--Modric

----VDV

---

Ade


Gomes, Bassong, Kaboul, Rose, Kranjcar, Livermore, Pavlyuchenko.

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Line-up: Friedal, Walker, BAE, King, Gallas, Bale, Modric, Parker, Sandro, VdV, Adebayor.
Subs: Gomes, Bassong, Kaboul, Rose, Kranjcar, Livermore, Pavlyuchenko

Surprised Kaboul is left out tbh.

dahat

Had a few euro on Ramieres first goal,16/1......should be a good game,few goals for the neutral and all will be good!

Big Pussy Bonpensiero

Chelsea team: Cech; Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Ramires, Meireles; Sturridge, Drogba, Mata

Subs: Turn, Fer, Mik, McEach, Mal, Kal, Torres

Johner

Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, JT, Cole, Mikel, Meireles, Ramires, Mata, Drogba, Sturridge.

Ugh Mikel.

Masked Man

Noooooooooooo!