Tottenham vs Chelsea – Premier League London Derby Preview
By Aaron Coe
Keeping a realistic shot at the top four alive is at stake Thursday afternoon as Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea FC in the final Premier League game of matchweek 22. Both teams have had their ups and downs this season, with Chelsea going so far as to change their head coach. While Spurs have not gone to the drastic step of replacing José Mourinho, neither team has quite started 2021 the way they have wanted, making Thursday’s London derby; a must win for both teams.
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Tottenham Hotspur
WDWLL
Tottenham have won two, drawn one and then lost two straight in League to start 2021. Not exactly the beginning everyone would have hoped for. However, Spurs have also managed to go 3-0 in two different cup competitions during January. The win in the Carabao Cup booked Tottenham a Cup Final and the two wins in the FA Cup have Spurs into the 5th Round next week.
Regardless of that cup success, consecutive losses and having only the two wins in the last nine Premier League matches has many fans on edge. Given the up and down nature of every team not name Manchester City, a win against Chelsea should help right the ship for Spurs, although a loss could send some fans over that edge they are on.
Chelsea FC
LWLDW
Chelsea FC have the exact same 2-1-2 record in the Premier League as Tottenham since the turn of the calendar to 21. Chelsea have equally struggled over the last 10 games like Tottenham with only three wins in that time. With the five of the club’s six league losses coming over a recent seven game stretch, the team decided to part ways with Frank Lampard.
Thomas Tuchel, who was recently relieved of his position of managing PSG has come into the team and they have drawn one and won one since his arrival. With the bleeding seemingly stopped Chelsea will want this one as badly as Spurs and it should be a fine contest.