It has been a long time since Tottenham Hotspur headed into a clash with London rivals Chelsea as the favorites, but that seems to be the case for Sunday's clash at White Hart Lane. Mauricio Pochettino's side haven't lost since an opening matchday defeat to Manchester United, and find themselves only four points adrift of league leaders Leicester City. A win over José Mourinho's struggling Blues would further suggest that Spurs are serious title challengers.
Tottenham Hotspur vs. Chelsea 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch EPL online
Can Chelsea continue their resurgence against high-flying Spurs?
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However, beating Chelsea may be easier said than done. It wasn’t spectacular, but Mourinho’s men bounced back off three straight defeats with a win over Norwich City last weekend. They’ve undoubtedly had a terrible start to the season, but they’re still only 12 points off the top four, and 10 behind Spurs. They’ve certainly got the players to mount a charge for the Champions League -- it just depends on whether their manager still has their support.
Key player: Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Harry Kane made a slow start to the season, though recent performances have suggested he’s getting back to somewhere near his best. He’s scored six goals in as many games in all competitions, including an impressive hat-trick in a 5-1 drubbing of Bournemouth. He’s going to provide the biggest threat to the Chelsea defense, and could well add to his ever more impressive tally.
Recent history
Chelsea have won three of the last four meetings with Spurs in all competitions, the other being a 5-3 victory by Pochettino's men in last season's Capital One Cup. History suggests the Blues have the edge, though they've not won at White Hart Lane in their last two visits. The last time they did was in October 2012, when Daniel Sturridge and Juan Mata scored once and twice respectively as Roberto Di Matteo's men came from behind to see off André Villas-Boas' team 4-2. Of the Spurs starting lineup that day, only two players -- Kyle Walker and Jan Vertonghen -- still remain.
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: Alex Pritchard, Nacer Chadli (ankle/foot); Dele Alli (suspended). In doubt: Nabil Bentaleb (ankle/foot), Erik Lamela (groin/pelvis)
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Thibaut Courtois (knee); Radamel Falcao (unspecified muscle). In doubt: John Terry (ankle); Cesc Fàbregas (toe); Ramires (knock).
Spurs will be without wonderkid midfielder Alli, who is suspended for this match. However, Bentaleb could recover to take his place in the center of the park -- like winger Lamela, he faces a late fitness test.
Chelsea's long-term absentees Courtois and Falcao are both still unavailable, while defender Terry is likely to join them on the sidelines with an ankle problem. Midfielders Fàbregas and Ramires are both doubts.
Match date/time: Sun., Nov. 29, 7 a.m. ET, 12 p.m. local
Venue: White Hart Lane, London, England
TV: USA Network (US - English); Telemundo (US - Spanish); TSN, RDS (Canada); BT Sport 1 (UK)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (US - English); NBC Deportes En Vivo Extra (US - Spanish); BT Sport Live Streaming (UK)
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