Chelsea vs Tottenham Preview: How the two teams could line-up for Wednesday's all-London showdown
It was a weekend to forget for both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea bottled the chance to lift their first silverware of the season at Wembley against Manchester City on Sunday, losing in the penalty shoot-out. Kepa Arrizabalaga stole the show with his antics. He refused to come off after being substituted by Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri, an act which was considered an act of utter disrespect by fans and pundits across the globe.
On the other hand, Tottenham lost 2-1 to Burnley on Saturday which dented their title ambition this season. Now they find themselves 6 points off the top, and they have to travel to both Manchester City and Liverpool in the coming months. If the result would have gone their way, they would be just 3 points off the top of the table. Even Mauricio Pochettino conceded his side's chances to win the title, saying "it would be difficult to be contenders without 3 points against Burnley" after the game on Saturday.
The last time these teams met in the Premier League at Wembley, Chelsea were still unbeaten in the league after 12 games under Maurizio Sarri but Tottenham was too hot to handle for Sarri's side that day. Chelsea lost that game 3-1 and their season turned on its head. They lost 5 of their next 13 games and drawing 1. Title contenders at the start of the season, they now find themselves 16 points off the top of the table and 1 point off the top-4, with a game in hand.
Maurizio Sarri has been under a lot of pressure after their recent performances. His side was eliminated from the FA Cup by Manchester United last Monday. The fans are not happy with Sarri and his inability to change his tactics during the game. He was booed by the Stamford Bridge after he brought in Zappacosta for Azpilicueta when his side was 2-0 down and he had more attacking options on the bench. His side did show character against Manchester City in the League Cup Final on Sunday. They carved-out the best chances of the game but were unable to take them and lost in the penalty shoot-out.
Form Guide
Chelsea
Chelsea has lost 5 of their last 10 games in all competitions. They were humiliated 6-0 by Manchester City in their last Premier League game. They did look better in the EFL Cup Final and will replicate the performance against Tottenham on Wednesday. They did manage to beat Malmo in UEFA Europa League in midweek and are through to the Round of 16 of the Competition.
Tottenham
Tottenham will be favourites against Chelsea on Wednesday night, considering their recent form. They have won 4 of their last 5 games and lost 1. Mauricio Pochettino side proved their mettle as they were without several key players during this period. Harry Kane and Dele Alli were both out with injuries while Hun Min Son missed a couple of games as he was on international duty. They also beat Borussia Dortmund 3-0 in the Round Of 16 of the Champions League and are nearly into the Quater-Finals of the competition.
Expected Line-ups
Chelsea
Tottenham
