Chelsea may have been held to a goalless draw by a lacklustre Sunderland side at the weekend, but expect the Blues to be back in the goals when they take on London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday – live and exclusive on talkSPORT from 7pm.
The league leaders’ goaless draw away at Sunderland allowed Manchester City to cut their lead to six points with a 3-0 win against Southampton.
Spurs haven’t won at the Bridge since 1990, but the unbeaten Blues will be without star striker Diego Costa, who is suspended after receiving a fifth booking last weekend.
But the absence of Chelsea's leading scorer hasn't knocked the confidence of boss Jose Mourinho, who said in his pre-match press conference that past records against Spurs were unimportant and that his only concern was to be ready for the game ahead.
Below is how Chelsea could line-up against Tottenham:
Goalkeeper
It’s simply a question of how many games can Thibaut Courtois play before Mourinho rests him. This would be the Belgian’s fourth game in a row, should he start, and he hasn't conceded since Chelsea went to Anfield on November 8. But Petr Cech will surely get a run out during the hectic festive period, probably in the dead Champions League group stage finale and Capital One Cup.
Defence
There’s no reason to tinker with the Blues’ defence after keeping another clean sheet against Sunderland. The formidable four of John Terry, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, have established an impressive understanding and the Black Cats were unable convert their flurry of chances in the second half. Captain Terry’s contract expires at the end of the season and the veteran becomes more irreplaceable with every game.
Midfield
It will have worried Mourinho that his magical midfield couldn’t break down stubborn Sunderland. The ‘park bus’ routine that the Blues have executed perfectly in the past was frustratingly used against them and Willian’s best chance clipped the bar. Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic were as consistent as ever, but Oscar and Eden Hazard were subdued by their high standards. An immediate improvement will be expected should they all start.
Striker
Didier Drogba is likely to get the nod ahead of Loic Remy, in Costa’s self-inflicted absence. The Blues boss was quick to extend the same trust and faith to his substitute strikers, despite the Spaniard's more impressive stats. Costa has scored 11 league goals, but Drogba’s only goal came away to Manchester United. The experienced Ivorian adds something extra and Remy could still make his injury comeback as a second half sub.
Chelsea fans, how do you think you’ll line-up against Tottenham? Comment below…
Chelsea v Tottenham is live and exclusive on talkSPORT, Wednesday from 7pm. Click here for more.
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