Stamford Bridge:
Links: http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?...47&part=sports
Links: http://www.wiziwig.tv/broadcast.php?...47&part=sports
Match preview:
Top-of-the-table Chelsea welcome Champions League-chasing Spurs to Stamford Bridge this Saturday evening knowing a win will open up a seven-point gap between them and their nearest rivals albeit because Manchester City and Arsenal are in FA Cup action, as well as Liverpools encounter with Sunderland being rescheduled due to the north-east clubs Cup clash with Hull this Sunday.
As Jose Mourinho will know, though, its better to have points on the board and victory over their London-club rivals will further enhance their growing title credentials but Saturdays match up with fifth-place Tottenham will be anything but straight forward. The Blues havent tasted victory at the Bridge over Saturdays opponents since April 2011, when Salomon Kalou scored an 89th minute winner.
With Kalou now plying his trade in France, Mourinho will be relying on 32-year-old Samuel Etoo, fit-again Fernando Torres and the in-form Andre Schurrle to break down Tim Sherwoods side.
By his own admission, Sherwoods precarious position as Spurs boss will be under the microscope as he battles to keep the likes of Louis van Gaal out of the White Hart Lane hotseat. He has shored up a sinking ship since taking over from Andre Villas-Boas in December last year, but his hard work could count for nothing if they fail once again to qualify for Europes elite competition. A 1-0 loss to strugglers Norwich two games ago has left him and his team with no margin for error in the final 10 games.
Team news:
Ashley Cole is out of Chelsea's Premier League clash with Tottenham on Saturday with a minor knee injury.
The 33-year-old left-back, who has been second choice at Chelsea to Cesar Azpilicueta in recent weeks, suffered a lateral ligament injury in training on Thursday which will keep him out for eight to 10 days.
Chelsea have a number of undisclosed concerns following the midweek internationals, with defender David Luiz thought to be among them after exacerbating a groin injury while on Brazil duty, but Eden Hazard is fit to feature despite fears of an ankle knock suffered playing for Belgium.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker, Younes Kaboul and Zeki Fryers could all be available for Tottenham's Premier League clash at Chelsea on Saturday.
The defensive trio will be assessed for the trip to Stamford Bridge, which will come too soon for Christian Eriksen due to a back muscle problem.
Erik Lamela and Vlad Chiriches remain sidelined with back complaints, while Etienne Capoue and Danny Rose are also out of the trip to west London.
Match notes:
Chelsea, the little horse of the Premier League title race according to manager Jose Mourinho, have the chance to go seven points clear at the top of the table.
Arsenal and Manchester City are in FA Cup action, while Liverpool have a weekend off which gives Chelsea a great chance to pile the pressure on their rivals.
Tottenham can move just three points behind Arsenal with a win at Stamford Bridge.
Stat of the game:
Chelsea have won most home points (38) while Spurs have the most away from home (29)
Possible starting 11:
