Premier League leaders Chelsea have been pretty dominant so far this season, though their goalless draw away at Sunderland on the weekend has shown that they're still certainly not infallible. José Mourinho's side are still unbeaten, but the Black Cats helped to reveal that they do have flaws. Tottenham Hotspur will be looking to take full advantage when they visit Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch the EPL online
League leaders Chelsea welcome an erratic Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
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Spurs’ start to the season has been wildly erratic, with Mauricio Pochettino’s side having won six and lost five of their Premier League games thus far. However, they come into this match having picked up three victories in their last four, perhaps suggesting that things are looking up for a team that has largely failed to live up to its potential. A win over Chelsea would certainly rectify that.
Key player - Diego Costa's replacement (Chelsea)
Ahead of this match, Tottenham will no doubt be taking much hope from the absence of Chelsea's star striker Diego Costa through suspension. His replacement in this match will either be Didier Drogba or Loïc Rémy, who are average and good respectively, but nowhere near the level of their Spanish teammate. With Spurs having been so shaky at the back, that's excellent news for Pochettino.
Key matchup - Cesc Fàbregas vs. Ryan Mason
Cesc Fàbregas’ pretty unspectacular performances for Barcelona meant that there was understandable skepticism when Chelsea signed him in the summer -- even more so when José Mourinho tried to sandwich him into a deeper midfield position than he’s used to. However, he’s excelled, with his outstanding range of passing having been vital in the Blues’ surge to the top of the table. Spurs’ holding midfielder Ryan Mason will have to work hard to keep him quiet.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Nathan Aké (hamstring), Diego Costa (suspended). In doubt: None.
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: None. In doubt: Danny Rose (rib), Kyle Walker (abdomen), Andros Townsend (ankle), Emmanuel Adebayor (hamstring), Étienne Capoue, Vlad Chiricheș (unspecified).
Chelsea’s major absentee is striker Diego Costa, who is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season against Sunderland. Spurs, however, could be without several important first-teamers. Kyle Walker, Andros Townsend, Danny Rose and Emmanuel Adebayor are the biggest names who are likely to miss out through injury.
Match Date/Time: Wednesday, 7:45 p.m. local, 2:45 p.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: NBCSN, Directv, Mun2 (U.S.), TSN4 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.)
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