The title race is heating up slowly but surely and it is Chelsea who head into the 13th gameweek sitting top of the table. What a run the Blues are in right now! It is absolutely remarkable how Antonio Conte has turned around the fortunes of the West London club. The Blues are on a six-game winning streak and they have not conceded a single goal in the process. However, their London rivals Spurs will be a real test for them on Saturday.
Even though Spurs are not in the best of form right now, they are the only unbeaten side in the Premier League after 12 games. Already out of the Champions League, Spurs will be keen to get back to their best in the League and there aren’t too many bigger games than this in London football. Here are three key battles which could decide the game when the two London giants collide on Saturday.
Harry Kane Vs David Luiz
Many raised their eyebrows when Chelsea broke the bank on their former defender David Luiz on the deadline day. The Brazilian is perceived as an error-prone defender but has been excellent in the last six games at the heart of Chelsea’s three-man backline. With Azpilicueta on his right and Cahill on his left, Luiz is the reason behind Chelsea’s seemingly impenetrable defence and he also sets the foundation of the team from deep with his excellent passing ability.
Harry Kane has scored four goals in three games since his comeback from injury and has what it takes to break down Chelsea’s in-form defence. The battle between Luiz and Kane will be something to watch out for. If Kane can be kept silent, Chelsea can hope for their seventh straight Premier League clean-sheet.
N’Golo Kanté Vs Mousa Dembele
A key man in Leicester City’s unbelievable title win last season, Kanté is proving that he is worthy of every penny Chelsea spent on him this summer. The Frenchman has been an absolute beast in the middle of the park this campaign but will face a tricky battle against Dembele on Saturday.
The Belgian is a tricky player to deal with but if someone can suppress him, it is Kanté. The battle between the two midfield dynamos will be something look forward to in this game.
Diego Costa Vs Jan Vertonghen
10 goals from 12 games- Costa is in the form of his life this season and will be looking to keep up his hot streak in front of the goal. Spurs are statistically the best defence in the Premier League having conceded just eight times so far but their backline seems like a shadow of its true self without Alderweireld.
With his countryman missing, Vertonghen will have to be extra careful of the danger Costa poses. This could prove to be the area where the game could be won or lost.
