Chelsea-Tottenham Preview: A Season On The Line

I remember as a Spurs fan only a few years ago hoping for a European place on the back of the UEFA fair play league. For those of you, who are unaware of this scenario, it means that the team who has played the fairest throughout the season (e.g. least yellows and accumilative reds) is honoured for this sportsmanship with a UEFA Cup Spot.

Now as a Spurs fan since the arrival of Daniel Levy's regime I have seen heavy spending in the transfer market, sustained European Competition year on year and fifth place in the Premier League. All of these new found attributes for a club that is known widely for its mid table anonimity and the odd Carling Cup Final.

It seems that a club that over the past three years has revolutionised itself has taken one step forward and two steps backward this season. Following the shrewd purchases of the last two years and the arrival of Damien Comolli, Spurs are at outfit are widely regarded by pundits and managers alike as the fifth best club in Britain.

However their season has been hit by defensive frailty and an off-form goal keeper. The abscene of Ledley King has been a vital ingredient in the down fall of the 11th richest club in European Football today. Ledley King's injury is too extensive for him to ever make a full comeback but my best wishes go out to a legendary and loyal centre back who is possibly better than the unloyal Sol Campbell.

The signing of Woodgate and Hutton have brought European class to a defence which the inexperienced Michael Dawson has found hard to function with. The form of Robinson has been there for all too see and his dismissal from the first team squad has led to a change in attitude and performance from Robinson and he looks set to start against Chelsea today.

The centre of midfield boasts a whole host of young talent, new found England International Jemaine Jenas, the youngsters with passion, Jamie O'Hara, Tom Huddlestone. Spurs boasts raw talent, but the experience and understanding will come with time but is an immediate question coming up against the world beaters of Frank Lampard, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien.

Spurs strikeforce is undoubtably an in-form partnership, and with the loss of form of Darren Bent, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov have flourished together and have created a partnership of dreams for a Spurs team who has always had one but not the other. Chelsea offer the services of a three pronged attack headed by Didier Drogba, and supported by Nicholas Anelka and Joe Cole. Three world class internationals who may be adaquately fought off by the "perfect" Ronaldinhio marker Alan Hutton, the French Pascal Chimbonda and the England Internationals Ledley King and Jonathon Woodgate.

Wayne Bridge will have to handle the pace of Aaron Lennon on his left hand side respectively and Belletti will have to contend with the experience of Steed Malbranque on the left side of midfield. Ideally you are looking at a high scoring game with the calibur of finishers on offer but look for the game to be won in the middle of the park. It is rumoured Zakora will pair with Jenas in the middle and Jenas given the opportunity to support the front two with Zakora dropping deep.

Spurs will do exactly what they did against Arsenal; counter-attack. Watch the pace of Lennon being over-used and Robbie Keane's through runs. Chelsea will set out to attack from the start and will have to play the ball on the ground with Woodgate's and King's strength and heading ability being a vital factor in how Chelsea try and dictate the encounter.

It may be the only way into Europe for Spurs; make sure your watching, a showcase is in store.