Chelsea vs. Tottenham: Five things to look for in battle for top four

Chelsea welcomes Tottenham to Stamford Bridge kick off a full weekend of Premier League football. There’s a lot at hand, so here are a few things to watch.

This is the most desperate Chelsea have been all season for three points. So far this season they have been comfortably in the top, despite poor performances. But on Saturday, a loss could see Frank Lampard’s men dropping as low as seventh place. Here are five things to look for as Lampard and Chelsea seek the double over their London rivals.

1. Student vs. Master, Part II

When two familiar figures come head to head it’s always an interesting scenario. The buzz only increases if that occasion is a massive derby. Frank Lampard, who had many successes as a player under Jose Mourinho, faces his old boss as a manager for the second time.

The result went Lampard’s way when they faced each other earlier this season at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium: a Willian double sealed a comfortable victory. Mourinho will have learned his lesson and will be eager to deal a blow to his old side. Stamford Bridge has seen his antics as a rival boss when he visited as Manchester United manager. It won’t be much different this time around as well.

Unsurprisingly, Mourinho is not happy as he approaches the tie. Tottenham had a midweek match in the Champions League while Chelsea didn’t. “Here we go, Chelsea drinking sparkling water with lemon,” he puzzlingly said.

Tottenham will be without Harry Kane and Heung-min Son, among others. In moments like these, Jose Mourinho usually thrives. He, too, will be expecting nothing less than three points and a place in the top four.

2. Olivier Giroud to finally have a start?

Lampard’s treatment of Olivier Giroud is one of the biggest mysteries around Chelsea this season. Despite being fit, he was left out of the matchday squad many times in favor of Michy Batshuayi.

This favoritism didn’t change even when Batshuayi was missing chance after chance, opportunities any normal striker would convert. Some of them luckily didn’t affect Chelsea, as they won despite his poor performances. But lately against Arsenal and Manchester United, the lack of quality from the Belgian cost the Blues dearly. Meanwhile, Giroud, in his cameo against United, had a bigger impact than what Batshuayi made in a month combined.

Lampard’s treatment of Giroud so far has been nothing short of pathetic. Giroud is a proven player who has the experience of leading attacks at the club and international level, which Batshuayi hasn’t.

Even though some fans may not realize it, Giroud’s impact is more than goals. France’s World Cup win is an example many should still remember. Unlike Batshuayi, who is a non-factor when he can’t score, Giroud provides much more with his hold-up play and ability to create space, time and passes for the other forwards.

With Tammy Abraham still not fit enough, the French striker might start against the London rivals.

3. Injuries in the midfield

Injuries to key players are affecting Chelsea as well. They lost N’Golo Kante once again due to injury while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is still out. Christian Pulisic, Callum Hudson-Odoi, and Andreas Christensen are all doubtful in addition to Tammy Abraham ahead of Saturday’s match.

Mason Mount, who was very impressive since coming on in the second half against Manchester United, might win his place back in the starting line up. Willian, whose double won the reverse fixture, might retain his place.

Lampard has a lot of options for his formation. If he goes with three in the middle, Ross Barkley might be brought back to starting line up. Billy Gilmour, who was called up to the senior squad after a set of eye-catching performances, also has a chance to feature from the start.

If it is a two-man pivot in midfield, Pedro, who started against Manchester United and has a great understanding with Giroud, might retain his place.

4. Selection headache at the back

As things stand, Frank Lampard does not have a trusted back five. Club record signing Kepa Arrizabalaga was on the bench again last week as a result of poor performances. Unfortunately, things were pretty much the same with Willy Caballero.

Marcos Alonso, who was impressive against Spurs as he won a penalty while keeping a clean sheet in December, has started once since then. Reece James and Cezar Azpilicueta could once again start on either side of a back four. If Giroud starts, it will be a glorious opportunity for James to have someone who can convert his crosses.

Andreas Christensen has impressed since returning back to the starting line up. But he was replaced during half time against Manchester United after he broke his nose in a clash with Anthony Martial. Christensen might keep his place in the starting line up after getting a face mask.

If Christensen is not fit enough, Lampard might return to a back three, like the one he used against Tottenham in December. Antonio Rudiger could reunite there with Kurt Zouma and Fikayo Tomori.

5. Atmosphere at Stamford Bridge

On Monday night, Stamford Bridge was frustrated with the on-pitch officiating and VAR. The fans  will be hoping things are different on Saturday. Lampard and his men need the fans’ support more than ever.

Chelsea has won just 15 points from the last 14 matches. Due to their run of wins earlier this season and overall poor performances from the teams outside the top four, they were comfortably in the Champions League places for several months. But things have changed and other teams are breathing down Chelsea’s neck.

Yet another defeat would see Spurs leapfrogging Chelsea to move to fourth. Chelsea cannot let that happen and they will be hoping for the fans to be on full voice on Saturday.

But it’s a two-way street: the team needs to perform in a way that inspires the fans.