Major English silverware will be handed out for the first time this season at Wembley Sunday, as Tottenham Hotspur play Chelsea in the League Cup final.
Tottenham vs. Chelsea, League Cup final 2015: Time, TV schedule and team news
The first major cup final of the season takes place at Wembley Sunday.
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It may not be the most prestigious of trophies, but it’s one that offers a midseason morale boost, as well as a great day out for the supporters. And, ultimately, a cup final is a cup final. Make no mistake: both of these sides will be desperate to win.
Their superior Premier League form means Chelsea head into the game as favourites. They’re five points clear at the top of the table, and are in a great position to push on and lift the title. However, Spurs -- who are chasing their first tournament win under Mauricio Pochettino -- will have just as much desire, even if they’re not quite as deep in their quality. But they’re no slouches either: some recent good form has enabled them to move within three points of a Champions League place.
Before this season, Harry Kane looked a solid, if unspectacular, youth prospect at Spurs; underwhelming loan spells at various second-tier clubs giving no indication of future stardom. However, this season he’s enjoyed a breakthrough campaign, scoring 14 league goals, despite only being given 16 starts. It’s a remarkable record, and he’s probably the first name on Pochettino’s teamsheet at present.
Spurs have a couple of attacking midfielders who occupy the centre of the pitch: Moussa Dembélé, the nominal No. 10, and Christian Eriksen, who drifts into space from a nominal position on the left. This overload could cause a problem for Chelsea's defensive midfield in the absence of star anchorman Nemanja Matić. Chelsea's expected pivot of Ramires and Cesc Fàbregas will have to be very careful with their positioning.
Heading into this match, Spurs should have a full strength team available. Chelsea, on the other hand, will be without suspended midfielder Nemanja Matić, while John Obi Mikel faces a late fitness test on a knee injury.
This should be a high-quality match, hopefully with plenty of free-flowing, attacking football.
Key player - Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur)
Key matchup - Spurs' attacking midfielders vs. Chelsea's defensive ones
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: None.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Nemanja Matić (suspended). In doubt: John Obi Mikel (knee).
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 4 p.m. local, 11 a.m. ET
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, England
TV: beIN Sports (U.S. and Canada - English), beIN Sports en Español (U.S. - Spanish), Sky Sports 1/HD (U.K.)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (U.S. and Canada), Sky Go (U.K.)
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