The Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham could be the last in which we’ll see Maurizio Sarri leading the Blues. The situation at the Stamford Bridge is pretty tense right now, but a win against their city rivals could turn things around. Anything can happen in matches like this one, so you better read our Chelsea vs Tottenham prediction and betting tips before putting any money on this game!
Chelsea
If you’re a football fan, the chances are you know what happened in the final of the Carabao Cup last Sunday. Chelsea played Manchester City and after 120 minutes of play, the score was still 0:0 and the winner was to be decided by the penalty shootout. Knowing that his first-choice goalie was carrying a small injury and that the reserve goalkeeper is a real expert in saving penalties, Chelsea manager decided to replace Kepa Arrizabalaga with Wilfredo Caballero. But, then, all hell broke loose.
Kepa refused to get off the pitch when he saw his number on the board. That made Sarri explode in anger. The manager even went to the tunnel, but then changed his mind again and decided to watch the penalties. And let Kepa try to become a hero. But, he didn’t. Actually, he even let some really easy ones in, e.g. Aguero’s penalty.
Chelsea lost the cup but have they lost their manager? Sarri is still in charge, but the question is for how long? It seems that the players have turned against him. And I’m not talking just about Kepa; I’m also talking about Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta who did nothing to persuade his fellow countryman to listen to the manager’s instructions.
Can Sarri remain an authority figure after what happened on Sunday? He could try to instill some discipline by putting Kepa in B-team, but the problem is that Chelsea management probably wouldn’t feel too good about that. After all, they signed him for a record-breaking sum last summer on a contract that’s 7 years long.
All this makes me think we’ll see Kepa in the match against Tottenham, but this doesn’t mean that the atmosphere in the locker room will miraculously get better. It won’t… And I think it’s gonna cost them point in this game.
Tottenham
The Spurs just need to take advantage of the situation in Chelsea’s locker room. They dropped points in the previous round, so their Premier League title hopes might get crashed if they don’t get back on the winning track.
They did unexpectedly lose to Burnley in the previous round, but one good thing is that their best player, Harry Kane is back after an injury. Actually, he was the guy who scored the only goal for Tottenham in that game. And the goal he scored was a complete stunner.
Dele Alli is also expected to make a return after an injury. He might not be yet fit to play all 90 minutes, but he could make an appearance by coming in from the bench if his team needs his help.
Team News
Chelsea absentees:
- Garry Cahill (injury)
- Danny Drinkwater (injury)
- Pedro (injury)
- Davide Zappacosta (injury)
Tottenham absentees:
- Eric Dier (injury)
- Dele Alli (questionable)
Possible Lineups
Chelsea
Kepa – Luiz, Rudiger, Azpilicueta, Alonso – Kante, Jorginho, Barkley – Willian, Hazard, Higuain
Tottenham
Lloris – Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Aurier, Rose – Winks, Sissoko, Eriksen – Lucas, Son, Kane
Chelsea vs Tottenham Prediction
If Tottenham don’t win on Wednesday, they can say farewell to the title. I think that’s enough of motivation for them to do their utmost. And considering that Chelsea are going through a real crisis at the moment, the Spurs’ job shouldn’t be too difficult.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Betting Tips
- Tottenham @3.00 (bet365)
- Next Manager to Leave Post in the EPL – Maurizio Sarri @1.17 (SkyBet)