No one would have imagined that at this stage of the season, a London derby involving Tottenham and Chelsea will generate this level of expectations and significance for fans and pundits alike. It is also a match that other title contenders will be monitoring with intensity. It certainly won’t be unlikely that some ‘folks’ will silently be hoping that Chelsea’s unbeaten runs comes to an end at White Hart Lane tomorrow!
One major hurdle to be crossed by both teams is essentially mental. The strongest mentally will take the maximum points as they are generally on the same platform on performance indicators. Chelsea is currently on a run to set a new records for consecutive wins in the Premiership while Tottenham has managed four impressive wins on the bounce.
What and who is going to give? Let us ponder some facts to highlight what is likely to be the outcome!
STATISTICS
Head-to-head
Tottenham have won only four of their 49 league matches against Chelsea (D19, L26), with all four of those victories coming at White Hart Lane. So they have some positives here!
Chelsea have won only one of their last 10 Premier League matches at White Hart Lane (D5, L4). The 4-2 victory on October, 20, 2012 being the only victory.
If Chelsea wins; it will be their first league double against Spurs since 2005-06.
Tottenham
Tottenham could remain unbeaten in their opening 10 home matches of a Premier League season for the second time. The other occasion was in 2000-01 (when they won 13).
They have won four league games in a row, scoring 13 goals in the process and conceding just three.
Harry Kane has scored 17 goals in his last 17 Premier League London derbies, including 10 in his last nine played at White Hart Lane.
Chelsea
A victory for Chelsea would make them the first team to win 14 consecutive top-flight matches within the same season. They would equal Arsenal’s English top-flight record of 14 successive wins between February-August 2002 (over two seasons).
Only once before in the Premier League has a side won more points than Chelsea’s 49 after 19 games – that was also Chelsea in 2005-06 (52).
The Blues have won six successive Premier League away games, conceding just one goal.
Diego Costa has scored in seven of his nine away league appearances this season, only failing to find the net at Arsenal and Sunderland.
Head – to – Head facts Sourced from BBC
Should I stick my neck out?
Chelsea have managed to win three matches with lone goals on their incredible run even when not playing well. This might count in their favour when hostilities kicks off at White Hart Lane. My prediction – a lone goal victory in favour of the Blues!
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