What Chelsea XI would you pick to play Tottenham?
We used to know the place as ‘Three Point Lane’, but it’s been six years since we’ve earned a win at Spurs’ home ground and they go into this match as slight favourites, according to the bookies.
But Harry Redknapp does have some injury concerns amongst his squad as Aaron Lennon (hamstring) is to miss out, whilst Gareth Bale remains a doubt due to an ankle injury. There are also a few question marks over the fitness of both Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor.
As for Chelsea’s injury news, both John Terry and Ramires have recovered from their respective knocks and will be available for tomorrow’s game. But David Luiz will miss out with a knee problem.
Which team should Andre Villas-Boas pick to give us the best chance of winning this derby?
Here’s the team I’d pick:
P. Cech
J. Bosingwa – B. Ivanovic – J. Terry (c) – A. Cole
Ramires – O. Romeu – R. Meireles
D. Sturridge – F. Torres – J. Mata
We don’t have many options in defence, so the back four more or less picks itself. However, I’m not much of a fan of Branislav Ivanovic in the central role and there’s no telling how John Terry will react to all the pressure surrounding him.
Frank Lampard has been tremendous for Chelsea over a long period of time, but I would no longer consider him a guaranteed starter and we’d likely get the best out of him with cameo displays. Ramires will be important defensively if Gareth Bale does make the game as he could help Bosingwa out by doubling-up on the Welshman.
Didier Drogba has performed well in a few crunch games this season but simply couldn’t be bothered to even look remotely interested when we travelled to Wigan, so can take a seat on the bench for this one. He’s also probably a better impact sub than Fernando Torres, who hasn’t featured much recently and will have to play when Drogba’s away at the African Cup of Nations, so may as well give him the opportunity to rediscover his form.