Tottenham spurred on to stun Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
History does not favour travelling Tottenham at Stamford Bridge, where they are 8/1 for victory with Coral, but a weekend win over Everton could provide them with a platform to challenge their London foes.
Spurs have not defeated the Blues at the Bridge in their past 27 attempts, last taking their competitors’ scalp on home soil back in 1990.
Chelsea, who still remain unbeaten in all competitions this campaign, are understandably odds-on favourites at 2/5 to triumph in front of their home faithful yet again.
Nothing would be sweeter for Spurs than to end their bitter capital rivals’ run and, as Sunderland illustrated last time out, the league leaders can still be stifled.
The Black Cats put in a plum backline performance, frustrating their visitors, who were unable to find a way past Lee Catermole and co, failing to find the net for the first time this term.
This result will have heartened Mauricio Pochettino’s men, who were similarly impressive against Everton at White Hart Lane, with defensive organisation, teamwork and pressing key to their win.
Spurs will be hoping Chelsea, who have been notably more potent in attack this season since the additions of Spain stars Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, will play into their hands and allow them to provide a sucker punch on the break.
Jose Mourinho is not so easily foiled, however, and his Blues boys are masters of forcing mistakes and rampaging on the counter themselves.
Like a wounded lion, Tottenham should beware a reaction from the home team after they stuttered against Sunderland, with memories of last season’s 4-0 drubbing in West London still fresh (and 18/1 to happen again).
Mourinho’s men have notched up nine in their last four games, making them 13/8 to score three or more and increase their impressive Premier League tally of 30 goals in 13 games.
For this encounter, the Blues will be without suspended marksman Diego Costa. His booking against the Black Cats was a huge blow, as the Brazil-born forward has netted the majority of Chelsea’s league goals.
Without him, the west Londoners will worry they might struggle to score, as was the case on occasion against defensive-minded opponents last campaign, meaning Spurs are 7/1 to split the spoils.
In Costa’s absence, however, Mourinho can now call upon Loic Remy and Stamford Bridge legend Didier Drogba, who are 3/1 and 7/2 to open and close the scoring respectively.
Eden Hazard (5/4 to net anytime) and Cesc Fabregas (11/4) have also shown the ability to step up and chip in with game-changing goals this term, so Spurs will still have an abundance of attackers to worry about.
Tottenham have had striker woes themselves recently, but Roberto Soldado broke his White Hart Lane curse to rack up his first Premier League goal of the campaign. The Spaniard is 7/2 to strike again in the anytime market and punish Chelsea.
Harry Kane (9/1 to fire home first) was arguably Tottenham’s best player last time out, carving the opportunities for both goals against Everton, and impressing in a support role behind Soldado.
The England Under-21 talent, and midfield maestro Christian Eriksen (12/1 to draw first blood again) will both need to be on top form for Spurs to stand a chance of sinking the seemingly unbeatable Blues.
