Tottenham and Chelsea both need victory in big London clash

Chelsea host London rivals Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime looking to go within two points of Harry Redknapp’s men.

The clash at Stamford Bridge could prove to be the pivotal game in the race for the Champions League positions.

Form

The Blues were in good form before their 2-1 defeat at Manchester City on Wednesday night. Boss Roberto Di Matteo had also won all four of his games in charge of the club. Chelsea managed to lose the game despite taking a one goal lead.

I fully expect Chelsea’s decent form to continue though, as the team seems to have recovered their confidence and team spirit.

Tottenham’s recent form has been absolutely atrocious. It’s seen Spurs slip out of the top three for the first time since before Christmas. Arch-rivals Arsenal have jumped above them into third, after discovering their form.

If Tottenham’s recent form continues then they are in danger of missing out on the Champions League spot that they have held for most of the season. Spurs season could go very wrong in the last nine games of the season.

Vital

If Chelsea beat Tottenham at Stamford Bridge it could be vital psychological blow to Harry Redknapp’s men. Tottenham’s form has already suffered in recent weeks but if Chelsea beat them then the Blues will be breathing down their necks.

Whether the Tottenham players can handle the pressure of remaining ahead of Chelsea remains to be seen. Tottenham have managed to claim a top four spot under Redknapp once before but their form wasn’t so poor heading into the final stretch of that season.

Affect

Harry Redknapp has claimed the collapse of Fabrice Muamba at White Hart Lane last weekend didn’t affect his teams performance in their 1-1 midweek draw with Stoke. To be fair you could understand how it could have affected them just a few days after the event.

However, the Spurs players don’t have an excuse for being on a poor run before that terrible incident. Tottenham are now starting to look very shaky indeed.

Tired

The Tottenham players look like they are starting to run out of steam. They aren’t moving as fast as they did at the start of the season and their fast attacking play seems to have ground to a halt. A big victory is needed and quickly or their early season hard work could result in nothing.

They will need to find the energy from somewhere to challenge the home side on Saturday though, because you can be sure that Roberto Di Matteo’s side will be all out for victory.

Big

Chelsea have a major few weeks coming up with a Champions League quarter-final against Benfica, a FA Cup semi-final against either Bolton or Tottenham and this fixture. Its make or break time for Chelsea and their rookie boss.

The Italian could turn himself into a hero if he can guide the club into the final of the FA Cup and also a Champions League semi-final. Success in both competitions could just be enough to persuade Blues owner Roman Abramovich to give him the Chelsea job on a permanent basis.

Momentum

If Chelsea claim victory on Saturday then I believe it will give them the momentum to overthrow their London rivals and claim a spot in the top four of the Premier League.

Should Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp decide to take the England job finishing outside the top four would now be regarded as a massive failure. It could also cost Spurs some of their star performers and they can’t afford to lose their top players.

I would say the game on Saturday is a must win one for both teams. It will be tense for both sets of supporters but it promises to be a feast of football for us neutrals. Let the game begin!

Who will win in the early Saturday kick-off ?