Premier League build-up as Tottenham go to Chelsea
Chelsea slipping from Champions League race
Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)
Opta's supercomputer is at it again.
Wednesday evening's results in the Premier League saw Chelsea slip to sixth in the table before tonight's game against rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues currently sit on 49 points, two behind Manchester City in fourth, though Enzo Maresca's side have played a game less.
According to the supercomputer, they now have just a 14.0% chance of making the top four.
Their most likely end of year finish is sixth ( 27.6% ) while an unlikely end of season surge for third has just a 7.4% probability of happening.
A win tonight would see Chelsea jump back into the top four, though Newcastle in fifth will have played a game less.
Is the old supercomputer writing Maresca's men off too early?
This is a great game to finish the week off'
Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)
This is a great game to finish the week off. It ended up 4-3 to Chelsea earlier in the season, and there are likely to be a few more goals this time too.
Chelsea have people like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke back from injury to bolster their attack, but Spurs have got some key players like Micky van de Ven fit again too.
Tottenham's league campaign has been disappointing - it is winning the Europa League or bust for them - while Chelsea are still chasing the Champions League places.
Spurs looked tired to me before the international break, so it will be interesting to see what they are like here. We know how exciting they can be on their day, it is just those days have been few and far between this season.
Chelsea have been a bit flat as well, but maybe this is the game where both teams come to life and serve up a thriller - that is what I am hoping for anyway.
Sutton's prediction: 3-2
Chelsea v Tottenham: Did you know?
Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)
- Chelsea have lost just one of their past 12 Premier League games against Spurs, winning the past three in a row by an aggregate score of 10-4.
- Chelsea have won more Premier League games (36) and scored more Premier League goals (120) against Tottenham than they have against any other opponent.
- Ange Postecoglou has lost all three of his Premier League meetings with Chelsea - the only side he has faced without yet picking up a point in the competition. He could become the first ever Tottenham manager to lose each of his first four league games against Chelsea in charge of the club
Rumors about future 'do not consume me' - Postecoglou
Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou dismissed further questions about his future as Spurs boss in his news conference yesterday.
“I don't deal with it,” he explained.
"It doesn't rock my world - it doesn't consume me. I know my responsibilities are and I am sure if the club decides to go in a different direction, there are some outstanding candidates for it.
"And you know what, maybe someone will think: 'Ange Postecoglou is not a bad coach - maybe we'll take a punt on him'."
“I am passionate about what we're doing,” he added.
"I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that is what I'll keep doing.
Chelsea v Spurs: Team news
Chelsea v Tottenham (20:00 BST)
- Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson "are all good" and ready to return from their respective injuries.
- Midfielder Romeo Lavia remains a doubt for this evening's fixture.
- Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou confirmed there are "no new injuries" in his squad, but the match will likely come too soon for Richarlison.
- Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso are also unavailable but should return in the next few weeks.
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