Premier League preview: Tottenham v Chelsea

Tottenham’s Welsh winger Gareth Bale heads into his club side’s home game against Chelsea in flying form and ready for the London derby.

Bale goes into Saturday’s English Premier League clash off the back of Wales’ two World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and away to Croatia.

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo will be wary of Bale after the 23-year-old scored both goals in Wales’ thrilling 2-1 come-from-behind victory over Scotland.

Trailing Scotland by a goal with less than 10 minutes left plus stoppage time, Bale produced two scintillating runs to clinch victory for Wales.

In the 81st minute, Bale beat a number of opponents before having his heels clipped in the penalty box and then was back on his feet moments later to stroke the ball home from the spot.

Bale completed the win with a stunning long-range strike into the far top corner in the 90th minute after again bursting past a couple of Scottish players.

But while Bale and his fellow Tottenham attackers could cause Chelsea’s defence, which is the best in the Premier League, some problems, Di Matteo should be confident his team will breach the home side’s back four.

Andre Villas-Boas’ Tottenham, who are fifth on the table, have conceded eight goals in seven Premier League matches so far this season and will be up against a tough test when Chelsea’s attacking midfield trio head to White Hart Lane.

Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar have been brilliant for league leaders Chelsea, with the first two having scored three goals in the Premier League so far this season and setting up another eight between them.

While Oscar has yet to hit the back of the net in the league, the 21-year-old Brazilian scored twice in the UEFA Champions League against Juventus, plus he has played a crucial role in Chelsea’s midfield structure, harrying the opposition whenever possible.

Chelsea will travel to Tottenham having yet to lose, while Villas-Boas’ team are five points behind, on the back of four consecutive wins.

Villas-Boas could have Kyle Naughton and Emmanuel Adebayor back from injury but Jake Livermore (groin) and Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee) have not recovered from their injuries.

Daniel Sturridge should be available for Chelsea but is unlikely to be in the squad considering how his team are in such good form.