Tottenham will again play on Monday in my favorite termin in 21 o'clock CET. It will be big London derby between Spurs and Chelsea. It's not only big derby but also first showing up of Mauricio Pochettino like Chelsea manager on N17. Tottenham fans are divided about how to behave, but big majority felt betrayed when manager from Argentina accepted coaching job in club whose fans start every game with chant how they hate Tottenham. I feel it was treason and he deserves booing.
Spurs were first on the table after last week and after yesterday defeat of Arsenal against Newcastle they are only unbeaten team in league at this point. Chelsea were on eleventh place with some shocking results especially at home. Low position on the table however doesn't mean they are that bad. When you look on stats they are doing everything all right except scoring goals. Position on the table is not relevant before big derby games. Recent tradition is on their side, they have much more winnings than Tottenham, but tradition is not playing just like position on the table.
Ange Postecoglou told Spurs first choice left back Destinty Udogie is with 50/50 chances to play, he also told that Ben Davies got some knock too. That means we will probably see Emerson Royal on left back position in this game. Ange also revealed his plan to put Bentancur in step by step which means midfield will be same as usual. Son and Kulusevski will play 100% with ever present dilemma who will be on left side Richarlison or Johnson ? I think it will be Brazilian while Welshman will come in at some point in second half.
Away side have also their problems. Right back who is target of Real Madrid Reece James is also under question mark with 50/50 chances. Striker Broja is in same situation. However they have more players because their owner Mr. Bohely bought players on Kg during two transfer windows. I was not very impressed with Chelsea last game vs Blackburn where away side didn't get stonewall penalty and had two big chances, while both goals for Chelsea were result of bad mistakes of Blackburn defense. One Chelsea player told he can't remember when Tottenham won them last time. Let me remind him it was 2:0 victory in second part of last season. Skipp goal off the crossbar, remember ?
Person who worries me more than opponents is referee Michael Oliver. I remember that referee for being bad. He was ok last time when he refereeing us and I hope he will be on same level tomorrow. It's crucial to give fouls right and to use cards in good way. If he allows rough play and doesn't sanction deliberate bad attempts Tottenham could be in problem.
What gives me confidence is prediction of pundit Paul Merson who told "He would be shocked if Tottenham win Chelsea". I love the most anti-Tottenham predictions of Paul Merson ever since he told Kane will not score goal under Jose. He is usually wrong. :)
I expect big fight, good game with not many clear cut chances and Tottenham win with result of 2:1. I am sure players are well aware of importance of this game for fans. I know they will give their best tomorrow night and that is enough for me. My big hopes are like always in Madders. We will see his magic again! Let's play the best we can tomorrow and see what will that bring to us! COYS!
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