[FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Tottenham Hotspur visit to League leaders Chelsea on Sunday will be another stern test for Harry Redknapp's men after the game against Manchester United, which was Spurs' first defeat of the 2009-10 season. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Chelsea still have a 100% record this season and it will be a very tough task to take anything off them at the moment. Spurs can take some comfort in the fact that recent meetings with the Blues have gone very well, with two wins (including the 2008 League Cup Final) and two draws in the last four meetings. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]Going back a little further and it's honours even over the last nine meetings with three wins, three draws and three defeats. [/FONT] [FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]It's vital for Spurs to maintain their early season momentum, despite the setback of losing to United last time out and although Chelsea have a perfect start to the League some of their performances have been a little shakey. [/FONT][FONT=Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif]The last Spurs League win at Stamford Bridge was way back in February 1990 when goals from David Howells and Gary Lineker helped Tottenham to a 2-1 win over Chelsea in the old Football League First Division. Match Preview with full details of the previous 181 meetings between Spurs and Chelsea avaiulable here: http://www.myfootballfacts.com/TottenhamHotspurMatchPreview7.html [/FONT]
We need to start Krancjar on the left with the license to roam to the centre. Keane back upfront with Defoe. Jenas over Hudds, Jenas would provide us with more mobility and energy needed to close down the likes of Deco and Lampard. No point starting Hudds as his passing would most probably be hampered by the short and narrow pitch at SB.
It will be very tough, probably our toughest game so far since we're away from home. Mabey we shoiuld go with Keane and Defoe upfront and Kranjcar on the left wing since I think he can play there. A draw would be a great result
Totally agree we need Jenas not Hudd for this game. Retaining some possession in midfield is key. Palacios needs to be back and strong but not reckless. Left mid is a problem - is Kranjcar up to it? We didn't see much from him against United. We do have other options, like Bentley. I expect to lose but you never know, all it takes is 1 goal and the way Defoe is playing he can score out of nothing. Would like to see Pav given a sub appearance to see what he can do.
Kranjcar and Jenas in for Thudd and Crouch for me. The tactics were all wrong against ManYoo so hope we don't see a repeat. Does sound like it will be again Crouch and Defoe with Keane on the left though.
If we're going to start Crouch (I hope we don't), can we please, please, please, start Bentley on the right and switch Lennon to the left? At least to start? Keane and Lennon aren't going to be able to take advantage of Crouch's height by serving in decent balls. That being said, I hope we go back to Keane and Defoe up front with Kranjcar on the left. Keane can't play outside left effectively and he and Defoe have looked halfway decent together for the first time in...ever, probably.
I'd be tempted to go with this line-up against Chelsea... Gomes Corluka - Bassong - King - Assou-Ekotto Palacios - Huddlestone Lennon - Jenas - Kranjcar Defoe Subs: Cudicini, Bale, Naughton, Bentley, Keane, Crouch, Pavlyuchenko
Gomes Corluka - Bassong - King - Assou-Ekotto Palacios - Huddlestone Lennon - Dos santos - Kranjcar Defoe
A draw can be obtained guys. If we go in there with the heart and poise they had in those first 4 games they can do it. Let's hope that the reason for last weekends bad result was fatigue, especially those who had just arrived from international duty, I mean we were winning and were the better team on the pitch early on against ManYoo. Lets be positive guys. By the way, I want to agree with PhillySpur as I also would like for Redknapp to give the Russian Bomber a chance to prove his worth, at Stamford Bridge it will be no pushover though. Lets hope for the best mates!!
Tough game this one. I won't accept anything less than a 10-0 win with Taricco getting all the goals. Alternatively, some slick passing, tough tackling, and a last minute nicked winner. I'd take that for Spurs.
I think Chelsea has been the most consistent team in the league so far this season (I suppose getting late winners counts). I would not be upset with a draw by any means, but would love to get 3 points. Team talk ---> I expect a win today. Spurs 2-1 Drogba 24' Keane 32' Lennon 64'
I've got a bad feeling about this one, particularly without Modric. I can see us losing 3-1 or 4-1. But then being a Spurs fan means being something of a masochist. Whip me, Harry, whip me...
really random question but what is the stuff surrounding the pitch? Right off of the lines there is an off green surface...cant tell what it is
Our wide defense gets exposed on a wide-open Malouda cross to diving Ashley Cole at back post. Chelsea 1-0.