By dixon9
January 11 2008

A top London Derby! This fixture normally provides plenty of goals, a dollop of controversy and an electric atmosphere. For some it’s a London Derby between 2 of the best London sides, for others this fixture has a deeper meaning with its roots going back to a 67 cup final, Jimmy Greaves, Terry Venables – even Gordon Durie and the odd…erm …skirmish before or after the match.

Nowadays of course, certain “traditions” are less prominent and thankfully, it’s the football that counts - tomorrow, Saturday afternoon at 3pm (makes a change to have a traditional kick-off time doesn’t it?) the surprisingly lush turf of Stamford Bridge should give us a platform for plenty to cheer about. 

Spurs come to Stamford Bridge irked at their bad luck against their arch enemies at the Emirates earlier in the week after demonstrating a conviction and confidence in their play that hasn’t been seen for some time.

For the north Londoners to come away with a draw after playing away from home against their unwelcome neighbours foisted upon them many years ago and feel disappointed reveals that one complex could at long last begin to be shed off like an ugly skin of a caterpillar before it becomes a butterfly.    

Spurs can almost certainly thank the new coach Ramos for instilling reasons for this new optimism in the club.  The coach from Sevilla has a reputation of all out attack and an obsession with wingers – “if you can score more than you can concede then you win” is the Spaniard’s philosophy but anyone who watched Spurs last season could argue that they were very good at both under Jol. 

The difference under Ramos is probably as much down to psychology as it in the new coaching and fitness training.

Chelsea continue with a long injury list as per usual – No Terry, A Cole, Lampard, Makelele (50/50) or Shevchenko and no Drogba, Essien, Mikel or Kalou due to the ACN. 

We have had Carvalho come recently back from suspension and Ballack is in immense form. 

The main event in terms of reinforcements though is the signing of Anelka. 

The Frenchman should provide a new edge to the Chelsea attack which is very welcome indeed given that our big gun in Drogba is on international duty. 

I’m not sure if Anelka will start though – that depends on Grant and whether the player has had a chance to complete at least 1 training session with his new team mates.

Tottenham have midfielders Huddlestone and Jenas both suspended and their ACN absence in Zokora for the Ivory Coast.  

The sturdy Kaboul returns although striker Bent is doubtful.

Defensively Spurs will take heart that their best central defender by a country mile in Ledley King has returned and looked at his imperious best against Arsenal.

Spooky fact: George Weah made his debut for Chelsea - against Spurs - at Stamford Bridge - on the 12th January - came on as a sub - and scored!

I reckon :

Chelsea: 4-3-3: Cech, Belletti, Carvalho, Alex, Bridge, Ballack,  Makelele, J Cole, SWP, Pizarro, Malouda – Anelka to come on in the 2^nd half at 65 mins.

Prediction? 3-1! They´ll score first and Anelka will hit the net!

Anelka to Debut: Chelsea Spurs Preview

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 11/01/2008 16:22

50 Years Over 100 Years
11/01/2008 16:22

Anelka to Debut: Chelsea Spurs Preview

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dixon9
12/01/2008 08:51

Oh my god it´s Wiley as ref!!!!!










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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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