Costa-less Chelsea Massive Favourites For Spurs Clash

Unbeaten Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge tonight (3rd December), the Blues having been held to a goalless draw by a stubborn Sunderland side last time out. Still, Jose Mourinho`s men are 20 games without a defeat this season with Spurs having to be on top of their game to take maximum points from the clash.

Prior to their tie at the Stadium of Light, Chelsea had picked up all three points in all of their Premier League fixtures in November. Indeed, they also successfully qualified for the knockout stage of the Champions League following a 1-1 draw against Maribor and a 5-0 hammering of Schalke.

It was three wins and a loss for Mauricio Pochettino`s Tottenham who find themselves in ninth position in the top tier of English football. They are though only four points from the Europa League qualification position, the competition in which they are currently fairing pretty well. Spurs have progressed through to the knockout stages after an away win at Asteras Tripolis (2-1) and a 1-0 victory over Partizan Belgrade at home.

In spite of the Tottenham fixture looking like a potential banana skin for the home side, Chelsea are the massive 9/20 (Betvictor) favourites to take away all three points. Both betfred and Totesport have priced up an away victory at 8/1 whilst 4/1 (betfred, Totesport) says the match will end a draw. What will give Pochettino hope is that many people`s champions elect are without their hotshot striker Diego Costa as the Spaniard must serve a suspension for picking up five yellow cards. The void left by the 11-time scorer must then be filled by either Loic Remy or Didier Drogba, who have scored only twice in the Premier League between them this season.

Both players are the 4/1 (Sportswinnner, Titanbet) joint-favourites to break the deadlock against Spurs tonight, though Chelsea are more than capable of producing goals from the midfield as demonstrated by their recent performances.

November began with Oscar providing the opener in their game against QPR at Stamford Bridge. Charlie Austin equalised for the away side after half time before Costa hit the winner. Nemanja Matic also showed the goal scoring prowess of the team`s midfield by equalising against Maribor in their Champions League tie.

Defender Gary Cahill hit the target and reliable poacher Costa both hit the target as the side came from behind to triumph over Liverpool in their 2-1 victory at Anfield. Costa once again found his name on the scoresheet against West Brom before their lead was doubled thanks to the in-form Hazard. The 23-year-old Belgian has netted six times already this season and is 7/4 (betfred, Totesport) to add to his tally at any time against Spurs tonight.

Two of the five goals against Schalke came from midfielders with Willian and Ramires adding to the goal glut. The deadlock was broken thanks to captain John Terry with Drogba also hitting the sweet spot for Chelsea. Goal number three was an own goal from Jan Kirchhoff who headed into his own net.

With their opponents in such potent form in front of goal, Tottenham will be buoyed by the return of one of their central faces to their defensive line-up, full-back Kyle Naughton. The 26-year-old is once again available for the Whites after picking up a two-match suspension. They will, however, have to cope without centre-back Etienne Capoue and left-back Danny Rose who are both doubts, both struggling with knocks.

Five of Spurs` last six games in all competitions ended 2-1, Pochettino`s men winning four (against Aston Villa, Asteras Tripolis, Hull and Everton) and losing one (against Stoke) by that scoreline. Betvictor are offering 17/2 on Chelsea winning by two goals to one whilst it`s a massive 25/1 (Betvictor, Coral) on Tottenham winning 2-1.

Top scorer Harry Kane has scored three times in November and is available at 9/2 (Bwin) to net past Thibaut Courtois. Christian Eriksen hit two last month and can be backed at 6/1 with betfair.

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03/12/2014     © Frixo 2024