Chelsea: Three key clashes in the Blues’ pivotal match at Spurs

If Burnley at home offered Thomas Tuchel the perfect chance to grab his first three points as Chelsea manager, then Tottenham away represents his first chance to grab hold of some much-needed fanfare.  With some supporters still smarting from the unceremonious sacking of Frank Lampard, and therefore stoically unimpressed by Thomas Tuchel’s methodical approach, a win against Spurs in whatever fashion would certainly engender the German to the more entrenched Chelsea ‘faithful’. The match is an opportunity for the Blues to right the wrongs from the last two months, but it won’t be an easy task. Jose Mourinho has turned Spurs around, despite the recent slump.

This match is always intriguing, but what key clashes could decide this year’s London derby?

1. Tanguy Ndombele vs. N’Golo Kante

Aux armes citoyens, formez vos bataillons! A midfield battle of epic proportions is coming, and its roots lie firmly in La France. It pits ethereal upstart Tanguy Ndombele against inimitable statesman N’Golo Kante, and promises to be a clash of contrasting cultures like few else.

At least, we hope it does.

With Kante’s fitness still a slight question mark, there’s no guarantee we’ll see the World Cup winner in the starting line-up on Thursday, but god, it’d be great if we did. Though Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have ushered in the Tuchel era ably with their passing repertoires, there’s no doubt Kante’s power thrusters have been a big miss in his first two games.  It might not have been Kante’s most imposing season in blue thus far, but at his best, the 29-year-old is still the preeminent player of his position, and a timely showing of these talents would do nicely in squashing the fleet-footed fancies of France’s new boy on the block.

Ndombele’s not nearly as popular as Kante when it comes to the French midfield discussions, but he’s one of the best up and coming players in the Premier League. This clash in the middle of the park promises to be one of the most entertaining aspects of the game—and could even decide its outcome.