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Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino Offers His Thoughts on Chelsea Match

By Alexander Balano

Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino speaks to media after the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. MLS All Stars defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 29, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Tottenham Hotspur head coach Mauricio Pochettino speaks to media after the 2015 MLS All Star Game at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. MLS All Stars defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino spoke to the club’s official website and gave his thoughts on Spurs versus Chelsea at White Hart Lane.

Tomorrow night’s London derby will the final meeting between Tottenham and Chelsea in the Premier League culminating in a possible Match of the Year candidate.

It may only be the halfway point of the 2016-17 season, but both teams come into this match in very good form. More so Chelsea due in large part to a 13-match unbeaten run that dates back to the beginning of October.

Similarly though, Spurs have a winning streak of their own, winning their past four league fixtures since mid-December and doing so in convincing fashion one might add.

Besides the unbeaten runs that Chelsea and Tottenham have gone on though, Spurs’ players have seen their performances trend upwards since both sides’ last meeting.

Harry Kane who missed about a month of football because of an ankle injury made his emphatic return against Arsenal by scoring a goal.

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That lone goal would soon become a flurry as Kane has been on a tear scoring eight goals in nine league fixtures. His season tally currently sits at 10 goals in 19 matches, but more importantly, 10 goals in his last 11 Premier League appearances.

Literally, the 23-year-old is in top form at the moment.

In that same span — since the Arsenal game — Christian Eriksen has recorded five goals in his last nine league appearances. As for Dele Alli, he also has five goals in nine games (five in three straight matches) since Harry Kane returned to the starting lineup.

It’s not a surprise that Kane’s return, as well as Toby Alderweireld on defense, made a huge difference in Tottenham playing much better football since December.

Both players were severely missed when they were sidelined for a long time and because they’re back, this could be the difference maker against Chelsea according to Mauricio Pochettino.

“It will be a very tough game. Chelsea are in good shape but we are the same, we are very confident,” Pochettino told Tottenham’s official website.

“We’re playing at White Hart Lane with our fans, I think it will be an exciting game and we have a very good opportunity to reduce the gap to them.”

“It’s true that first of all we need to show that we deserve to win the game and for that we need to perform at a high, high level because we will play against a team that is also playing at a high level.”

“But we are confident that we can arrive in a good condition.”

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The last time Spurs faced the Blues, Kane was starting but Alderweireld was still sidelined with a knee injury.

Two-fourths of Tottenham’s backline had Eric Dier at right center-back and Kevin Wimmer at left-back. Danny Rose was serving a one-match suspension.

Despite a dominating first half from Spurs, they began easing up minutes before the half-time whistle blew and Pedro made them pay for it. Giving Chelsea the equalizer and essentially all of the momentum once the second half began.

Because Mauricio Pochettino’s squad is nearly at full strength minus the absence of Érik Lamela (still), he can select his best players and expect a much different result.

Spurs’ confidence is at an all-time high since October 2nd when they beat a then-undefeated Manchester City team to climb all the way up to second place in the league table.

As mentioned above, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli have all found the back of the net and look to be in fine form with the defense still being one of the best this season.

What could be the main key in taking down Chelsea — besides having a strong lineup that wasn’t available the last time — is seeing Spurs play their own game. Worry about themselves and not what Antonio Conte and the Blues have in store for them.

Basically, focus on the task at hand by playing the way they have done during their four-game winning streak. Attack the defense, score and score often. Then maintain possession to kill the game off while still searching for more goals.

The blueprint were back-to-back 4-1 wins over Southampton and Watford.

Next: Henry Winter of The Times Previews Tottenham vs Chelsea

“We only need to try to spend energy in trying to prepare for the game in the best way, try to find the way to win and not think what will happen if some positive or negative thing comes.” Mauricio Pochettino said.

“We are very optimistic, I am very optimistic, I never think about bad things, always I hope we are all positive because I believe in the way that we play, I believe in our players and I believe in our fans.”

“I think we need to create a fantastic atmosphere between us all and try to win the game – that is our challenge for Wednesday.”