The race for the Premier League title is starting to heat up with the top teams looking more settled now. Chelsea went ahead of Liverpool to take lead the table last week, winning their game against Middlesbrough narrowly but convincingly while Liverpool were held by Southampton to a 0-0 draw. Chelsea’s 1-0 win against Boro stretched their winning run to six Premier League games and the Blues have not conceded a single goal in the process which is an excellent figure.
Antonio Conte’s boys will take on their London rivals Spurs on Saturday on match day 13 of the Premier League. Spurs remain the only unbeaten team in the Premier League but sit four points adrift of the first place. The Lilywhites were ousted of the Champions League in the midweek with their 2-1 loss to Monaco and Pochettino’s boys will be all fired up for their weekend game in the Premier League after a late win in their last League game.
Chelsea and Spurs are the two best defensive setups in the League right now. The Blues have conceded just nine times from 12 games while Spurs have conceded just eight goals. This London Derby has all the ingredients to be a cracker.
Here is the predicted Chelsea lineup against Spurs.
Defence
Belgian custodian Thibaut Courtois’ form earlier this season was a bit below-par but he has picked up his game of late. The 24-year-old will start under the bar. Chelsea’s back-three seems to be impenetrable in recent weeks. Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill will keep their respective places in the three-man defence. Azpilicueta will start on the right, Luiz at the centre and Cahill on left.
Midfield
N’Golo Kante’s transfer to Chelsea was always going to be a mega-hit and it he has shown why Chelsea forked out massive money for him. He has been a beast in midfield and should keep his place in the middle of the park. Nemanja Matic is an undisputed choice alongside Kanté. The Serbian was not known for his attacking instincts but this season, he has proven everyone wrong with five assists already to his name. Victor Moses will keep his place at right wing-back while Marcus Alonso should hold on to his place on the left.
Attack
Eden Hazard is a minor doubt for the game having picked up an injury while on international duty but should be fit enough to start on the left flank. In-form Pedro will start on the right while Premier League top scorer Diego Costa is an undisputed choice up front.
