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| PROBABLE LINEUPS |
Chelsea  CechIvanovic, Terry, Luiz, Cole Ramires, Lampard, Essien, Sturridge, Drogba, Mata | Tottenham  FriedelWalker, King, Kaboul, Assou-Ekotto Van der Vaart, Modric, Parker, Bale Saha, Adebayor |
Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is likely to make a number of changes from the side that lost 2-1 at Manchester City earlier in the week. Club captain John Terry looks all set to overcome a knock which he picked up against Napoli in the Champions League to take his place at the heart of the Blues defence, with Gary Cahill the most likely to make way.
Daniel Sturridge and Michael Essien could well start after failing to make the starting line-up at the Etihad. Upfront, Didier Drogba may well replace Fernando Torres despite the Spaniard showing signs some of his old form as the Blues look for a vital win against their rivals for a top-four spot.
As for Spurs, Harry Redknapp is unlikely to tinker too much from team which grabbed a dramatic 1-1 draw at home to Stoke.
The only changes could well be to replace Niko Kranjcar with Emmanuel Adebayor who looks set to return from injury, though Ledley King could be a doubt to start after coming off in the closing stages against Stoke with a facial injury. If he does miss out, either Ryan Nelsen or William Gallas will deputise.
This would mean moving Rafael van der Vaart to the right of midfield but would give Redknapp the striking power to really trouble the home side with Adebayor partnering Louis Saha upfront. Long-term injury absentees Michael Dawson and Tom Huddlestone again miss out.
| DID YOU KNOW? |
Only four Chelsea players have managed to score five or more goals in the league so far this season Frank Lampard (pictured right, 10), Daniel Sturridge (9), Juan Mata (5) and Didier Drogba (5).
- Chelsea have struggled to go on an unbeaten run so far this season - their longest streak without losing is six.
- The reverse fixture earlier in the season at White Hart Lane finished in a 1-1 draw. Emmanuel Adebayor’s early strike was cancelled out by a Daniel Sturridge effort.
- The Blues have managed to get on the scoresheet in all of their 14 home matches in the league so far.
- Tottenham have never beaten Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League - a run stretching back 19 matches.
- Brad Friedel and Benoit Assou-Ekotto have started all of the north London club’s games this season.
- Tottenham had only lost four out of their first 25 Premier League matches this season before their recent slump, which has seen them lose three of their last four games.
- Harry Redknapp’s side have failed to win any of their last five league games away from home - losing three and drawing two.
Both teams need a positive result as they look to secure a lucrative Champions League spot. With Arsenal in blistering form of late the two teams may well be left battling it out for fourth spot. Chelsea have shown signs of improvement since Roberto Di Matteo took over the reins from Andre Villas-Boas, while Spurs have struggled to get a win following a brilliant opening half to the season. There are likely to be plenty of chances and it could finish in an entertaining and high-scoring score draw.
Editor's Prediction
Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham 
