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It is a special reunion for José Mourinho and Frank Lampard as Tottenham and Chelsea clash in the London derby.
Lampard evolved into the Premier League’s greatest goalscoring midfielder under Mourinho’s tutelage at Chelsea, with the Portuguese undoubtedly a major influence in Lampard’s playing career.
There will be no punches pulled on the pitch, however, with both managers desperate for a win.
Spurs will overtake Chelsea in fourth with a win. Incredible to think considering Spurs were 12 points behind only a month ago.
The heated rivalry between these two only adds spice to this game.
What is undoubtedly a big game for Lampard and Mourinho personally, only gets more personal after Mourinho, in a punditry role last month, expressed fears over Chelsea’s form in big games this season which drew a sarcastic response from Chelsea’s assistant manager, Jody Morris on social media.
Chelsea have been nearly-there in big games this season, losing all five games against their top six rivals in all competitions albeit producing impressive performances
Would Morris’ sarcasm come back to haunt him and Chelsea?
Mourinho would be hoping for more of the same. Having had a full week of training for the first time since taking over at Tottenham, he would be keen to maintain balance in midfield against Chelsea’s technically-superb midfield.
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| Lethal Londoner: Harry Kane holds a very impressive record in London derbies. (Getty Images) |
Harry Kane is learning a different style of play under Mourinho but he has netted twice in consecutive home games. As evidenced by his incredible 29 goals in 46 London derbies, the England captain would be licking lips at Chelsea’s slipshod defence.
In a tale of contrasting fortunes; Chelsea have lost four of their last five league games while Spurs have won three of the last four.
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| Jorginho would be key to Chelsea’s game plan. (John Walton/PA wore) |
The Blues are desperate to foil Tottenham on their first visit to the new stadium, so as to remain in the top four at Christmas.
Meanwhile, Chelsea do have a decent away record, winning five of eight fixtures and scoring more goals than at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard knocked out Mourinho’s Man United from the Carabao Cup last season and would be keen to extend that record against his former boss.
Lampard must keep the top four fight on as Chelsea are expected to do business in the January transfer market after their transfer ban was lifted.
The Blues legend knows falling out of the top four -where they have spent most of the season- would devastate his side.
This is more than a happy reunion.
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Tags: Chelsea ,Premier League ,Tottenham
