A London derby is on the cards for Wednesday night at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea welcoming Tottenham Hotspur for the semi-final clash in the EFL Cup.
The first of the two-legged tie will be one to look forward with both sides heading into the contest on the back of contrasting form and the aim of booking a berth in the final of the cup competition.
Thomas Tuchel’s Blues have failed to fire on all cylinders as of late but managed to come from two goals down to secure a 2-2 stalemate at the Bridge against title rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Mateo Kovacic and Christian Pulisic were key to the valiant comeback mounted by the west Londoners after Liverpool had gone two goals ahead thanks to star duo Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.
Four draws in their last five league games, however, continues to play major spoilsport to the top flight crown ambitions of Chelsea with the league leaders Manchester City gunning for glory much earlier than expected.
Stamford Bridge has not been the favourable home turf Chelsea had hoped for with four of the last five outings resulting in sharing of spoils as Tuchel aims to get the better of Antonio Conte’s Spurs in the forthcoming midweek game.
Spurs have been an inspired outfit since Conte took over last year and the former Chelsea manager will look to gain an upper hand before his side plays hosts to their city rivals later this month.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Date – 5 January 2021
Time – 8 PM GMT
Venue – Stamford Bridge
TEAM NEWS
Trevoh Chalobah was the latest concern on the injury front for a depleted Chelsea side with the central defender being forced off the pitch last time around against Liverpool with a hamstring issue.
Edouard Mendy will play no part in the upcoming game following his departure from the Blues fold to take part in the African Cup of Nations.
Star striker Romelu Lukaku was dropped by Thomas Tuchel for the Liverpool clash after the Belgian’s recent interview with Sky Sports created a controversy in the English capital.
It remains to be seen whether the 28-year-old forward will be in contention to make the squad for the cup game with Tuchel depending on Germany international Kai Havertz to function in the central striking role.
KEY BATTLE
Antonio Rudiger vs Harry Kane
Despite Chelsea’s under-fire displays at the back in recent games, the hosts will be urged to be at their very best when coming up against a star-studded Spurs frontline.
Antonio Rudiger will lock horns with Spurs talisman Harry Kane in what promises to be an exciting duel between two top players.
PREDICTION
We could have another high-billed game at Stamford Bridge ending level with the second leg set to be the decider for the spot in the EFL Cup finals.
Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
