Both teams are coming off of disappointing results midweek; Chelsea lead Manchester City before succumbing to a 2-1 loss, while Tottenham needed a late equaliser from Rafael van der Vaart to gain a point out of what should've been a home banker against Stoke. With Arsenal playing later, a Tottenham win would see them move back into 3rd place for the time being, while a Chelsea win would bring them to 2 points behind Tottenham in the race for 4th.
Chelsea Vs. Tottenham, 2012 Premier League: Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Cole, Terry, Cahill, Bosingwa; Ramires, Essien; Mata, Lampard, Sturridge; Drogba
Subs: Turnbull, Luiz, Mikel, Torres, Malouda, Meireles, Kalou
Tottenham Hotspur (4-4-1-1): Friedel; Assou-Ekotto, Gallas, Kaboul, Walker; Bale, Parker, Sandro, Modric; van der Vaart; Adebayor
Subs: Cudicini, Saha, Defoe, Kranjcar, Livermore, Rose, Nelsen
Harry Redknapp names two more defensive minded midfielders in Sandro and Scott Parker, apparently giving Rafael van der Vaart a free role. Luka Modric will come inside, allowing Kyle Walker to get forward, and Juan Mata doesn't defend that well on the left side. Chelsea are putting Daniel Sturridge and Jose Bosingwa up against Gareth Bale, assuming that Bale is told to be a left winger and not a playmaker. Didier Drogba starts over Fernando Torres, and Spurs have shown problems dealing with physical strikers this seasons. There's bound to be goals in this one.
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