Life at Chelsea for Thomas Tuchel got off to a solid start with a scoreless draw with Wolves and then a 2-0 win against Burnley. Both were at Stamford Bridge and were against teams who set up defensively.
The German coach decided to play three at the back and it has given a more solid look to their rear-guard. Jose Mourinho had a bad week to say the least with losses to Liverpool and Brighton. He also lost his most important player Harry Kane to an ankle injury.
Thursday 8pm: Tottenham v Chelsea
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When you take Kane out of this Spurs side they are not anywhere near as potent in attack. Kane is not only one of their chief goal-scorers but he lays on as many as he scores these days. Gareth Bale stepped in against Brighton but didn’t affect the game at all.
Now, the Welshman may need more time to find his mojo but it has taken half a season to get him fit enough to start in a Premier League match and he still doesn’t look right yet. Here are your best bets for this London derby.
The Draw
All things considered, I fancy a draw here. Losing this game would be three in a row for Jose and I just think he will do everything here to avoid defeat. Parking the bus at home to one of your bitter rivals isn’t what Spurs fans will want to hear but if Jose has gone into self-preservation mode we may see it to a certain extent.
This game is going to be a cagey affair. Spurs have had six draws in the Premier League this season and four of those have come at home, most recently in the 1-1 draw with Fulham. The sides have already served up two stalemates so far this season.
In the League Cup back in September they drew 1-1 after 90 minutes. Spurs went through on penalties that night. But more recently the sides played out a scoreless draw at the end of November at Stamford Bridge. The Draw looks very likely here folks!
Under 2.5 Goals
There are a few other markets I like the look of. In Chelsea’s last four league games there have been Under 2.5 Goals scored. And, in Tottenham’s last three encounters with the Blues in all competitions, there have been Under 2.5 Goals.
Callum Hudson-Odoi to Score Anytime
Callum Hudson-Odoi has been the most impressive player in the two games thus far under the new Chelsea boss. He has looked like an absolute handful for defenders.
Pace, skill, physically imposing, direct and still only 20 years of age. There is no end to the heights this guy could soar too. He is a huge price to be the First Goal-scorer but I think there is value to be found with Hudson-Odoi in the Anytime Goal-Scorer market.
The player, who has hit five goals already this season, was unlucky not to score last weekend against Burnley. But he’s definitely playing with a pep in his step under Tuchel.
Booking Odds: Over 30 Points
Finally, this fixture has at times been a bad-tempered affair with the middle of the pitch resembling a mind field from World War II. In the two encounters between them so far this season there were 10 yellow cards shown. Have a look at over 30 points in the bookings market. It may be one for your bet builder.
Tips for Spurs v Chelsea
The Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Callum Hudson-Odoi to Score Anytime
Booking Odds: Over 30 Points
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