If last year around at this time of the season someone might have brought up the topic about Spurs playing Chelsea at the Bridge in a really crucial title determining tie next season – many of us might have presumed that the, then current champions, might be in contention for the title or even Spurs. However, such has been the remarkable turn of events in this year’s League that it has put all pundits and observers to scratching their heads. That being said, nothing is over until the fat lady sings as they say. As it stands, Spurs can’t afford to lose if they want to keep their hopes alive of the title and pray that Leicester fail to pick up two points from the remaining two games.
Tottenham’s cause isn’t helped by their tie being against Chelsea at the bridge, where they haven’t won a top flight home match since February 1990, winning 17 and drawing 8 of their 25 meetings. In his pre match remarks, Pochettino told Spurs Tv
“Against Chelsea it’s a derby and we need to still fight for the title,” Pochettino told Spurs TV. Chelsea this season were not consistent like the season before.”
“”They’re in a position in the middle of the table, but always they keep very good players and are a very good team and can play well in a game. But our objective is to go and try to get the three points”
“The derby is a big motivation for everyone. There’s a lot of speech from them about the team they want to win the league and this is another motivation for us. It’s true that we expect a tough game, we are ready to fight and we’ll see what happens”
Spurs don’t have a good track record against the Blues in the league, they’ve lost 25 BPL matches against them, only against Manchester United have they suffered more defeats i.e. 31. Chelsea don’t have a good overall home record this season however they haven’t lost two home matches in a row since November 2011 (they lost last here to Manchester City).
Chelsea too have some personal goals to achieve for themselves, they would like to finish their season on a high by ending it with victories. Chelsea, who have suffered one of their worst seasons in recent years would like to redeem themselves by beating their London rivals. Guus Hiddink, the Chelsea boss spoke with the press ahead of the Monday night clash
“That’s almost a personal challenge, but whoever will play in defence will like that challenge with Harry Kane,”
“He is having an admirable season. He has maintained his form [from last season] and is doing very well.”
Captain John Terry could be part of that defence after over a month on the side lines with Achilles and hamstring injuries, while Gary Cahill could also be available.
Spurs will take inspiration from their recent London derby form where they have lost only 1 and won 5 with 1 draw in the last 10. Hary Kane would look to become the eighth quickest player in BPL history to reach 50 goals; with only 84 appearances.
