Match Preview: Spurs v Chelsea (Agg 0-2) League Cup (we can do it!)

Match Preview: Spurs v Chelsea (Agg 0-2) League Cup (we can do it!)

Stadium: the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

We were taken to the cleaners by Chelsea last week (even though they needed our assistance to get the goals) and nearly were victims of a giant-killing at the hands of Ernie Wise's partner Eric Morecombe.  But in both games, we lived to fight another day. Chelsea will be trickier, while Morecombe was a bit easier as we had big guns on the bench to stand up, throw their shirts off and show everybody their superman costumes underneath. Then the goals came.

So, we've still got one foot in the League Cup final, with Chelsea travelling to our ground. Obviously, they want to complete their task from the first leg, but I feel that we can reverse things and give them what's what!

Tommy Tickle Tucker, their manager, claimed a 2-0 win in the first leg with the help of our players. But I believe it will be us, not the mouthpiece of Russia, Chelski, that will emerge winners. Either the joke will be on me, or we'll all be laughing at Tommy Tickle's men. Let us hope that the laughs are on mother Russia.

Match preview

Their Kai Havertz took five minutes to score on the night before an own goal settled the contest before halftime. And as I pointed out above, we were nearly humiliated when we faced Morecombe in the FA Cup on Sunday. But, as I said, the calvery came, assessed and took control. That 3-1 win was the latest in a long line of home successes for us under the Italian, with him winning seven and drawing one of his eight games in charge since arriving.

The strength of Chelski's team against non-league Chesterfield in the FA Cup ensured that no giant killings would occur at their ground, as it did at Newcastle's. Chelski won 5-1 success. They have now gone unbeaten in 10 games across all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur EFL Cup form:

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Tottenham Hotspur form (all competitions):

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Chelsea EFL Cup form:

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Chelsea form (all competitions):

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Team News

Tottenham

We've been dealt a major injury blow after Son reported muscular pain in his leg following the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge and could be out until the next international break.

Eric Dier could return after illness and minor injury, while Steven Bergwijn could have an outside chance of being available, but Cristian Romero will still be out.

Neither Dele Alli nor Bryan Gil impressing against Morecambe, so Harry Winks could earn another start.

Chelsea

Edouard Mendy has tested positive for COVID-19 while on duty with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations. It has to be seen if Thiago Silva and N'Golo Kante will recuperate from the virus in time for this game.

Cesar Azpilicueta should be available, but Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah will all miss the second leg. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Jorginho and Kai Havertz are among those who will look to reclaim their spots in the first XI, but Saul Niguez may cede his place in the starting lineup.

My possible starting lineup:

Lloris; Dier, Sanchez, Davies; Emerson, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Winks, Reguilon; Lucas, Kane

My prediction: 3-1 to us, then penalties.

Thoughts

We need to pull our socks up, show some urgency and cold-bloodedness and go for it. Any weakness will be exploited by the Russians. Conte must attack a Russian backline that is far from impassable.

So, that is that, onwards and upwards… a win on the night is a must, we shouldn't settle for anything less. Optimism, that is the word!

COYS!

Glenn