Tottenham presents Chelsea’s biggest challenge so far this season

Chelsea hasn’t faced an inform and difficult opponent yet this season. Tottenham will change that in a big test of Frank Lampard’s side.

It’s still early in the season, but Chelsea and Tottenham have found themselves sandwiched between champions Liverpool at the top of the table. A victory over Spurs will see Frank Lampard’s boys going over them in the table while a loss would see them stretching the gap to five points. Victory is paramount if either has plans to stay in the title challenge alongside Liverpool.

While Chelsea has already faced Liverpool and Manchester United in the league and Spurs in the league cup, those teams were nowhere near the current setup. It’s true, this team is not yet a finished product. Christian Pulisic has missed the majority of the season due to injury while Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz are yet to truly have a consistent run in the team due to injuries.

However, the Blues are on a good run at the moment. Few of the new signings have played already. The team is gradually getting into momentum with a settled squad.

Nevertheless, they are yet to be truly tested by a top inform team. When they faced Liverpool and Manchester United earlier this season, the team was yet to find their rhythm and new signings were still short a decent run of games in the team.

Jose Mourinho’s side got the better of his former side earlier when they faced each other in the Carabao Cup at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium. The match was settled after a penalty shootout. Both squads were far from the ones they will be using on Sunday.

Tottenham will be on top of their confidence after their recent victory over Manchester City. They finished the game week at the top of the table. They also won their Europa League match against Ludogorets comfortably without the services of their top performers Kane and Son.

Frank Lampard got the better of his former boss, Jose Mourinho, twice last season. Both teams have come a long way since then. They know how much a positive result could mean in their push to challenge Liverpool.

The way the season has unfolded, it could be said the team from north London are more set than their west London counterpart. Almost all their first-team signings are well and truly settled, unlike Chelsea. They have already defeated another fellow”top six” side. Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are at the top of their form scoring and contributing goals.

Chelsea has comparatively a set squad in midfield and attack. Frank Lampard hasn’t had the luxury to call upon all his players at their full fitness so far this season. With Pulisic in contention, Chelsea fans will be hoping this could be the week from which Lampard will have his full squad fit and ready to call upon.

It is truly a mouth-watering clash. A match between these two is always fought fiercely. It will be another attempt for Spurs to move a little out of the shadow of their big and successful London rival who will be more than happy to make sure Spurs remain deep below.