Ace Football previews the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham, and offers betting tips, odds, line-ups, and team news.
Its student vs master again as Frank Lampard’s Chelsea takes on Jose Mourinho and Tottenham for a London derby on Sunday evening.
The prize up for grabs is top spot in the Premier League, which will go to the winner of the derby. Although a single point for Spurs, who sit two points above third-placed Chelsea in second, will be enough to leapfrog Liverpool on goal difference.
That, along with both clubs being in superb form, has made this encounter more exciting. And if that wasn’t a good enough sub-plot already, it’s also Roman Abramovich’s 1,000th match as Chelsea owner.
The fact it’s a London derby, with two managers who played integral roles in the Russian’s success, and the chance to move top of the Premier League, makes it a fitting game to cap off Abramovich’s milestone.
Chelsea Form & Stats
The stats make one hell of a good read for any Chelsea supporter, with six successive wins in all competitions, 16 goals scored, and just two goals conceded. They’re also on a 10-match unbeaten run – or 13 if you only include ordinary 90-minute games.
Lampard’s side have, therefore, moved right into the thick of the Premier League title battle and secured qualification into the Champions League last-16 stage with two games to spare.
Their last defeat came against Tottenham in an EFL Cup clash on September 29 in north London. After finishing 1-1, Spurs emerged victors by beating the Blues 5-4 on penalties.
A lot has changed since then, though. Chelsea are a much stronger unit, with their summer signings beginning to hit their stride. Perhaps the most notable one is Edouard Mendy. The goalkeeper’s arrival has coincided with the club’s improved defensive showings, having kept seven clean sheets in his first 10 outings. Fellow new boys Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech, Ben Chilwell, and Thiago Silva also seem sharp at the moment.
Christian Pulisic’s return from a thigh injury, meanwhile, means Lampard has a fully fit squad. It’s a big boost for the Blues ahead of a match that could very well determine their title credentials in the Premier League.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last six games in all competitions.
- Won eight of their last 10 home league games (D1 L1).
- Kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 games in all competitions.
- Unbeaten in 25 of their last 26 home games against Tottenham in all competitions.
Tottenham Form & Stats
Nobody would’ve foreseen Tottenham as title challengers after losing 1-0 to Everton in their season-opener at home. Yet, two months and eight games later, they can reclaim first-place from Liverpool with a single point on Sunday.
In typical Mourinho fashion, Spurs have been solid at the back with clean sheets in their last three games across all competitions. But they’ve also hammered in the goals – at an alarming rate as well.
That sensational 6-1 triumph away to Manchester United in October remains fresh on everybody’s minds, and a 2-0 win over Manchester City last weekend proved Spurs are the real deal as far as this title race is concerned.
Now the free-scoring Lilywhites will be put to the test against the defensively solid Chelsea. Their record at Stamford Bridge isn’t good, having only recorded one victory at the venue since 1990. But with former Blues boss Mourinho at the helm in familiar territory, along with their superb form, perhaps the time for change is now?
One player who could be worth keeping an eye on, meanwhile, is Son Heung-min. Not only has the forward bagged seven league goals already, but he’s also scored the first goal in three of the club’s last six league games.
Key Team Stats
- Won their last five games in all competitions.
- Unbeaten in their last seven away league games (W5 D2).
- Son Heung-min has been the first goalscorer in three of their last six league games.
- Jose Mourinho has lost three of his four games against Frank Lampard in all competitions (W1).
Team News
Chelsea: N/A
Tottenham: Toby Alderweireld (out); Giovani Lo Celso & Erik Lamela (doubts).
Predicted Line-ups
(Note: The image will change to the official XI once they’re both announced)
Top Goalscorers in Recent Games
Head-To-Head Record
Below are some head-to-head stats on each team’s recent form in the Premier League.
Match Facts
Betting Tips
More Odds
Be sure not to miss out on the latest news about Frank Lampard
Download our brand new App and follow your favorite players, clubs, and much more
