Tottenham vs Chelsea: Club tactics, key players, prediction
Chelsea Midfielder Caicedo been tackled by Tottenham’s Midfielder, Maddison. Photo credit- Skysports
Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Time: 5:30 PM (Local Time)
Date: 8th December, 2024
The London Derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, represents a key moment for both clubs in the Premier League campaign. Spurs with inconsistency under the guidance of Ange Postecoglou, while Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, are looking to strengthen their stance in the title race. Here’s an in-depth look at how the two sides shape up ahead of this clash.
Tottenham: Tactics, Form, and Struggles
Tottenham have been one of the most exciting teams this season, blending attacking football with defensive structure. Under Postecoglou, they’ve implemented a 4-2-3-1 system that allows them to control possession, press high, and make quick counter attacks. This approach has seen them getting the maximum three points, with notable victories against Manchester City and Manchester United.
Key Tactical Focus
Spurs’ attack is led by Son Heung-min. Son’s clinical finishing and movement off the ball have been pivotal, while James Maddison’s creativity in the No. 10 role has improved the attacking set up. However, with numerous injury cases to key players like Richarlisson and Micky van de Ven has left Spurs become vulnerable to opposition playing pattern, no proper finisher and limited creativity in the midfield coupled with defenses errors has led the team to struggle for win.
Recent Form
Tottenham’s recent performances have not been consistent under Postecoglou, ever since their dominant win against Manchester City 2 weeks ago, they have sruggled to win matches, losing to Bournmouth in the week and drawing against Fulham last weekend. However, injuries to key players like Richarlisson and Gugliemo Vicario have affected their squad depth.
Chelsea: Tactics and Form
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea have shown impressive quality. The Blues however, struggle to capitalize on their possession and have been plagued by injuries to key players. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea has performed admirably in big games, earning back to back emphatic victories against Aston Villa last weekend and Southampton within the week.
Key Tactical Focus
The trio of Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer has been tasked with dominating the midfield battle. Fernández, in particular, has been instrumental in dictating Chelsea’s ball pattern and creating chances from deep. Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer have been crucial in Chelsea’s attacking play, using their pace and creativity to stretch defenses. Sterling, in particular, has rediscovered his scoring touch this season. Chelsea’s backline has proven to be consistent in faulting opposition attack with the talents Axel Dissasi, Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill provide hope for a more solid performance.
Recent Form
Chelsea’s 5-1 win against Southampton highlighted their progress in the title race, particularly in finishing chances and maintaining the defense.
READ ALSO
Manchester City vs Tottenham: Pep’s 5th defeat in a row, other key points
Reece James suffers another injury: A timeline of setbacks and matches missed
Between Player’s Passion, Faith and the Premier League LGBTQ+ Campaign
Key Players to Watch
Tottenham Hotspur: Son Heung-min with 9 goal contributions this season, remains Spurs’ talisman, combining his pace and ball composure, with Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson will be key. James Maddison is the creative heartbeat of the team, his ability to unlock defenses and deliver from set pieces will be crucial. At the back, Pedro Porro and Ben Davies will be tasked with preventing Chelsea’s attacking threats.
Chelsea: Palmer with his dribbling, pace and ability to link up play with the attack will be evident in this fixture. Another player will be Fernández, the Argentine midfielder with his recent improved form will play a pivotal role in controlling possession and creating chances. Moreover Nicolas Jackson is expected to start this fixture, the Ivorian who got a hattrick in their last meeting away will be hoping to put more goals in the back of Tottenham’s net.
Injury and Suspension Updates
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario, Richarlisson and Micky Van de Ven remain long-term absentees due to injuries, while Rodrigo Bentancur is still on his suspension for his racist statement against fellow team mate Son.
Chelsea: Captain Reece James and Wesley Fofana still remains sideline due to injury with return dates to be in 2025, while Malo Gusto and Pedro Neto are doubtful to appear in the lineup and Casadei is on one match suspension.
Recent Head-to-Head
Historically, Chelsea has dominated this rivalry, winning four of the last five league meetings. However, with Tottenham’s current inconsistent form but still able to give bigger oppositions tough time suggests that victory may come their way this time.
Predicted Score line and Final Thoughts
Tottenham’s ability to perform in big games despite missing key players to injuries, shows that they could be favorites for this clash. However, Chelsea’s momentum, coupled with their attacking fluency in big games and Maresca’s tactical experience cannot be underestimated. Expect a closely contested affair with Chelsea taking home the maximum points.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1–3 Chelsea
Spurs’ dynamic attack, led by Son, Solanke and Maddison, should have enough firepower to overcome Chelsea, but based on recent encounters that both have had coupled with their recent performances, Chelsea is expected to have a comfortable victory but should not underestimate the Spurs side who could prove some dark horse moments and ruin their title contention.
