Where: Stamford Bridge - Fulham Road - London
When: Saturday 30th April 2011. Live on SkySports at 17:30
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Chelsea Team News:
Carlo Ancelotti has a full roster of players available for this Saturday evening match. Alex, Ramires and Michael Essien have all been declared fit after injury.
Following last weekend's uplifting first goal for Fernando Torres in the rain, the Italian must decide whether to stick with a successful starting formula 4-3-3 with Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who are all in hot form or accommodate the buoyant Spaniard from the start.
Torres's inclusion might require a change of formation, but doesn't have to. It is worth noting that the reversion to that familiar shape, as well as the return to form of Mikel, has given Frank Lampard back his mojo.
Defensively a decision has to be made on the right half of defence, whether to opt for the height and experience of Alex. Otherwise this could be David Luiz's first encounter with Peter Crouch.
Speedy Ashley Cole is playing as well as he has all season, but Carlo Ancelotti may decide he needs pace on the right against the direct-running Welshman, though. José Bosingwa is not as reliable defensively as Branislav Ivanovic, but does provide speed.
Tottenham Team News:
Welcome back to Chelsea, Carlo Cudicini and William Gallas. The Italian keeper has been on the bench, deputising for Heurelho Gomes since the end of January, despite the Brazilian's tendency to drop clangers regularly. Gallas has had a very good season in the centre of Spurs' defence, despite a range of partners. His current alliance with Michael Dawson is a proven and effective one. Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both returned to training a few weeks ago.
Spurs have to make one change from their regular back four, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto injured last week. His absence may mean Gareth Bale switching to left-back. Not a diligent defender, his raids forward from there are often less easy to patrol.
Sandro, who replaced Assou-Ekotto, has become the most consistent holding midfielder in the Spurs side, offering protection to the back four, tracking the danger man, winning the ball and bringing it forward swiftly and effectively.
However, the fatigued Brazilian has been used from the bench in recent games, with the less mobile Tom Huddlestone returning after injury.
Spurs player of the season, without doubt, has been attacking central midfielder Luka Modric. His link play, elusive movement and cleverness around the box have been eye-catching, though his goals tally disappoints. Alongside him as a withdrawn striker, top scorer Rafael van der Vaart's effectiveness has tailed off as the season has progressed, though he still has his threatening moments.
Redknapp's other preferred starter upfront in the usual 4-4-2 system recently has been Roman Pavyluchenko. He scored in last week's 2-2 with West Brom, as did poacher Jermain Defoe. The Englishman is much smaller, quicker and manages a high ratio of on-target shots per game playing on the shoulder of opposition defenders.
Chelsea Stats and Milestones:
Chelsea's home record against Tottenham in the Premier League
1992/93 - Drew 1-1
1993/94 - Chelsea won 4-3
1994/95 - Drew 1-1
1995/96 - Drew 0-0
1996/97 - Chelsea won 3-1
1997/98 - Chelsea won 2-0
1998/99 - Chelsea won 2-0
1999/00 - Chelsea won 1-0
2000/01 - Chelsea won 3-0
2001/02 - Chelsea won 4-0
2002/03 - Drew 1-1
2003/04 - Chelsea won 4-2
2004/05 - Drew 0-0
2005/06 - Chelsea won 2-1
2006/07 - Chelsea won 1-0
2007/08 - Chelsea won 2-0
2008/09 - Drew 1-1
2009/10 - Chelsea won 3-0
Points won: Chelsea 42 Tottenham 6
Chelsea v Tottenham in all competitions
Games played 142
Chelsea wins 59
Spurs wins 49
Draws 34
Head to head in the League at Stamford Bridge
Games played 62
Chelsea wins 30
Spurs wins 19
Draws 13
Biggest league win at Stamford Bridge for each team
Chelsea 4-0 Tottenham 13/03/2002
Chelsea 0-4 Tottenham 16/10/1920 and 30/09/1933
Days Since:
Chelsea won a trophy: 350
Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge: 7,749
Arsenal won a trophy: 2,169
Liverpool won a trophy: 1,803
My take on the game:
As many know and can see from this thread (if they actually be bothered to read it) Chelsea have a sensational record against Spurs especially at home. But it always feels nearvy and Spurs are getting better with every passing year. Saying that Spurs have found it hard to pick up wins lately and Chelsea seem to be back to their near best. With us having a full fit squad i can see us running out 2-1 winner, goals from Gallas(******* hope not though) and Lampardx2 for Chelsea.
When: Saturday 30th April 2011. Live on SkySports at 17:30
Competition: Barclays Premier League
Chelsea Team News:
Carlo Ancelotti has a full roster of players available for this Saturday evening match. Alex, Ramires and Michael Essien have all been declared fit after injury.
Following last weekend's uplifting first goal for Fernando Torres in the rain, the Italian must decide whether to stick with a successful starting formula 4-3-3 with Florent Malouda, Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou, who are all in hot form or accommodate the buoyant Spaniard from the start.
Torres's inclusion might require a change of formation, but doesn't have to. It is worth noting that the reversion to that familiar shape, as well as the return to form of Mikel, has given Frank Lampard back his mojo.
Defensively a decision has to be made on the right half of defence, whether to opt for the height and experience of Alex. Otherwise this could be David Luiz's first encounter with Peter Crouch.
Speedy Ashley Cole is playing as well as he has all season, but Carlo Ancelotti may decide he needs pace on the right against the direct-running Welshman, though. José Bosingwa is not as reliable defensively as Branislav Ivanovic, but does provide speed.
Tottenham Team News:
Welcome back to Chelsea, Carlo Cudicini and William Gallas. The Italian keeper has been on the bench, deputising for Heurelho Gomes since the end of January, despite the Brazilian's tendency to drop clangers regularly. Gallas has had a very good season in the centre of Spurs' defence, despite a range of partners. His current alliance with Michael Dawson is a proven and effective one. Ledley King and Jonathan Woodgate both returned to training a few weeks ago.
Spurs have to make one change from their regular back four, with Benoit Assou-Ekotto injured last week. His absence may mean Gareth Bale switching to left-back. Not a diligent defender, his raids forward from there are often less easy to patrol.
Sandro, who replaced Assou-Ekotto, has become the most consistent holding midfielder in the Spurs side, offering protection to the back four, tracking the danger man, winning the ball and bringing it forward swiftly and effectively.
However, the fatigued Brazilian has been used from the bench in recent games, with the less mobile Tom Huddlestone returning after injury.
Spurs player of the season, without doubt, has been attacking central midfielder Luka Modric. His link play, elusive movement and cleverness around the box have been eye-catching, though his goals tally disappoints. Alongside him as a withdrawn striker, top scorer Rafael van der Vaart's effectiveness has tailed off as the season has progressed, though he still has his threatening moments.
Redknapp's other preferred starter upfront in the usual 4-4-2 system recently has been Roman Pavyluchenko. He scored in last week's 2-2 with West Brom, as did poacher Jermain Defoe. The Englishman is much smaller, quicker and manages a high ratio of on-target shots per game playing on the shoulder of opposition defenders.
Chelsea Stats and Milestones:
- Chelsea are top of the Premier League form table for the last six games followed by Man Utd, Liverpool, Everton, West Brom, Man City and Fulham.
- Since their last league defeat against Liverpool on 6 February Chelsea have won 23 points from a possible 27.
- Chelsea have dropped only four points from winning positions this season which is the best in the Barclays Premier League.
- Chelsea have not lost a league game this season when opening the scoring.
- The Blues have gained 16 points from losing positions which is the third highest in the Premier League.
- Chelsea have the meanest defence conceding 27 goals in 34 games in the Premier League this term, five fewer than Man Utd, nine fewer than Arsenal and 14 fewer than Tottenham.
- Congratulations to John Terry who is due to make his 500th appearance for Chelsea and will join Ron Harris, Peter Bonetti, John Hollins and Frank Lampard as the only players to have reached that milestone.
- Didier Drogba's next game will be his 200th in the Premier League for the Blues.
- If selected, John Mikel Obi will make his 200th Chelsea appearance and Florent Malouda his 150th start in a blue shirt in all competitions.
- Nicolas Anelka's next start will be his 100th for Chelsea in the Premier League.
- If selected, Zury Zhirkov will make his 50th appearance for Chelsea.
- Last seasons fourth place was Tottenham's best season in the Premier League.
- Tottenham have gained 23 points from losing positions which is the best record in the Premier League.
- Spurs have lost only once since 5 January, which was at Blackpool in February, but have drawn five of their last six in the Premier League.
- Tottenham's last 10 games in all competitions have resulted in just one win, three defeats and six draws.
- They have kept three clean sheets on their travels in 23 domestic and European games at Blackburn, Wigan and AC Milan.
- Tottenham have not lost a league match this season when scoring the opening goal.
Chelsea's home record against Tottenham in the Premier League
1992/93 - Drew 1-1
1993/94 - Chelsea won 4-3
1994/95 - Drew 1-1
1995/96 - Drew 0-0
1996/97 - Chelsea won 3-1
1997/98 - Chelsea won 2-0
1998/99 - Chelsea won 2-0
1999/00 - Chelsea won 1-0
2000/01 - Chelsea won 3-0
2001/02 - Chelsea won 4-0
2002/03 - Drew 1-1
2003/04 - Chelsea won 4-2
2004/05 - Drew 0-0
2005/06 - Chelsea won 2-1
2006/07 - Chelsea won 1-0
2007/08 - Chelsea won 2-0
2008/09 - Drew 1-1
2009/10 - Chelsea won 3-0
Points won: Chelsea 42 Tottenham 6
Chelsea v Tottenham in all competitions
Games played 142
Chelsea wins 59
Spurs wins 49
Draws 34
Head to head in the League at Stamford Bridge
Games played 62
Chelsea wins 30
Spurs wins 19
Draws 13
Biggest league win at Stamford Bridge for each team
Chelsea 4-0 Tottenham 13/03/2002
Chelsea 0-4 Tottenham 16/10/1920 and 30/09/1933
Days Since:
Chelsea won a trophy: 350
Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge: 7,749
Arsenal won a trophy: 2,169
Liverpool won a trophy: 1,803
My take on the game:
As many know and can see from this thread (if they actually be bothered to read it) Chelsea have a sensational record against Spurs especially at home. But it always feels nearvy and Spurs are getting better with every passing year. Saying that Spurs have found it hard to pick up wins lately and Chelsea seem to be back to their near best. With us having a full fit squad i can see us running out 2-1 winner, goals from Gallas(******* hope not though) and Lampardx2 for Chelsea.
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