Match Preview: Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur

William Gallas of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates after scoring during the Barclays Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane on October 20, 2012 in London, England. Chelsea won that game 4-2. (Getty Images)

As the Premier League season draws to the close, we have already arrived at many conclusions. Manchester United were crowned champions with four games to spare, while QPR and Reading relegated themselves in a dour 0-0 draw. But the one thing we still don’t know much about is which of the two London teams will accompany the men from Manchester into Europe.

The three way tussle between Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Arsenal could possibly reach a definitive conclusion after tonight’s match. If Spurs win, they draw level on points with Chelsea and a two point cushion over Arsenal. If Chelsea win they are guaranteed Champions League spot for next season. The best result for Arsenal would be a draw, that way they would maintain their supremacy over Spurs and would be in position to take advantage if Chelsea slip. But they won’t mind a Spurs defeat either.

The game also has a good backdrop with the former and interim managers of Chelsea clashing. With his tirades against the club since he has left, Andre Villas-Boas is a much maligned man at Stamford Bridge. Yet he is probably still more respected than his Spanish counterpart. Rafa Benitez has all but laid down a welcome mat for AVB’s mentor (Jose Mourinho) and even has a chance to do way with the formality of Champions League qualifying rounds of next season if he wins this one.

Personnel wise Chelsea look stronger almost everywhere. Their win against Manchester United should encourage the Blues and they would look to make the momentum count. Tactically it could be a minefield for Chelsea – they need to contain Gareth Bale. But too much attention on Bale could divert them from the threat posed by men like Aaron Lennon, Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey.

This is one game where Frank Lampard will be on the bench and John Terry out on the field. David Luiz should be pushed up alongside Ramires, whose sole brief should be to keep Bale quiet. The Brazilian certainly has the pace and commitment to do it. Defensively for Spurs the trio of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar would cause problems and AVB could opt for the more defensive Scott Parker with the quick and effective Dembele alongside him. With Lennon and Bale on show it could be a tough night for Chelsea’s full-backs.

With both teams adopting attack as the preferred mode of defence, we could be treated to some high class end-to-end action.

Probable Line ups:

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Cole; Luiz, Ramires; Mata, Hazard, Oscar; Torres

Spurs (4-2-3-1): Lloris; Walker, Dawson, Verthongnen, Assou-Ekkoto; Parker, Dembele; Dempsey, Bale, Lennon; Defoe

Men to watch out for:

Hazard: In complete accordance to his name, the man is a danger of all sorts. With great balance, poise, skill and ability, Hazard is one of the best young players in the world. If he comes out all guns blazing, Spurs could be decimated.

Bale: The man is his team’s MVP. He has single-handedly kept his team in the race for the Champions League places. Bale is the man who could help them make the coveted spot their very own.