Prediction: Tottenham vs Chelsea

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: bet365

The Carabao Cup is back, and we’re down to the business end of the competition. While many fans don’t really see much value in it, at the end of the day, it’s another opportunity to win some silverware. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea will be well aware of the fact that they’re one step away from reaching the final, and there’s a good chance that either one of them could beat Manchester City (or Burton) when they get there. Alas, before all of that, we’ve got two fun legs to look forward to.

Tottenham

Under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, it feels like Spurs could be on their way to something special this season. Of course, there’s still a question over what their main priorities are, but one way or the other Poch will be eager to win a piece of silverware as boss. They’re known to drop games they should be winning, but in this instance, it feels like they could easily be considered the favourites.

Team News

Lucas Moura will miss out courtesy of a knee injury in the FA Cup, with Dier, Vertonghen, Dembele and Wanyama all still sidelined through injury. Paulo Gazzaniga is expected to maintain his spot in goal.

Chelsea

Maurizio Sarri has had a fairly strong season with the Blues thus far, but a lot of it could hinge on whether or not they win a trophy before the end of the campaign. They’ve still got many opportunities in which to do so, but they’ve got enough depth to warrant some optimism despite their injuries. They’ll be out for revenge after their loss to rivals Spurs a few months back, and that kind of dynamic always makes for an entertaining clash – especially in a cup game.

Team News

Giroud, Pedro and Willian will all be analysed on the day to see if they’re fit enough, with Kovacic being tipped to return from illness. Loftus-Cheek’s back problem is expected to rule him out of this one.

Factors to Consider

• The game will be played at Tottenham’s Wembley Stadium.
• Tottenham have won five and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Chelsea lead the overall head to head standings 68-53 with 40 draws.
• In their last meeting back in November, Spurs beat Chelsea 3-1.

Conclusion

This is going to be an intriguing game, if only because it’s two teams who aren’t going to be able to stand the thought of being knocked out by one of their rivals. We think Spurs are going to control the pace of the game and take a two goal lead, and they’ll hold onto it heading into the latter stages. Then the Blues will pull one back which will set up a frantic finish, and while Spurs will come away with the win, the fact that Chelsea pulled one back will be huge for the second leg.

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 31/20

Bookmaker: bet365