Tottenham vs Chelsea preview, stats and match-day information

Jose Mourinho (L), Andre Villas-Boas

It is rather strange to be going into the Tottenham-Chelsea match at White Hart Lane with our rivals (Tottenham) in second place and us on fourth. Hopefully, it will be the other way round after the match. Chelsea enjoyed a great record at White Hart Lane until recently, but it has turned in favour of the home team in recent seasons. Since 2005, Chelsea have had only one league victory over Tottenham at White Hart Lane.

It would be daft to go into this weekend’s match expecting three points for Chelsea. Spurs have made a fantastic start to the season and they are level on points with Arsenal at the top of the table. They seem to be getting better and better with every match, as all their new signings get more time to gel.

Interesting facts and statistics:

• The last three meetings between Chelsea and Tottenham has seen 16 goals scored
• Tottenham’s last win over Chelsea was back in 2010
• Since the summer move, striker Roberto Soldado has scored two goals and both of them have been penalties
• This season, Tottenham have scored majority of their goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half

Attacking players like Roberto Soldado and Erik Lamela may have been their primary summer signings, but they seem to be more solid in defence as well. Since the 1-0 Arsenal defeat, Spurs have not conceded a goal.

This takes us to the 4-2 win for Chelsea last season, which remains as one of the best attacking displays I have seen from Chelsea in recent times. The trio of Juan Mata, Oscar, and Eden Hazard combined to devastating effect that evening. It looks like two of the trio – Oscar and Eden Hazard – will start tomorrow, while Mata looks doubtful despite impressing against Swindon.

The counter-attacking tactics could result in Andre Schurrle being used in favour of Mata.

Chelsea may have suffered four consecutive matches without a win only recently, but two back-to-back 2-0 victories must have given the squad a huge morale booster.

Last meeting recap:

Premier League Matchday 6 information:

Date: 28 September 2013

Location: White Hart Lane, London

Kick-off – 17:15 (London time)

Referee: Mike Dean