It is a crunch top-of-the-table London derby as the master takes on his apprentice on Super Sunday.
Frank Lampard got the double over his former mentor, José Mourinho, last season and would hope for more of the same with the stakes even higher in 2020/21.
This time it’s the league’s best attack against its best defence set to dazzle at Stamford Bridge as Tottenham and Chelsea find themselves as early title contenders.
In midweek, a hard-fought win over Rennes which secured qualification to the UCL knockouts proved the perfect preparation with Lampard having rotated his team in France. Academy graduate Callum Hudson-Odoi scored the opener before former Arsenal man, Olivier Giroud, scored a late header.
The Anti-Spurs mood within the Chelsea squad could not be higher, it appears.
Although Chelsea have conceded only twice in the last eight games, those two have come from set-piece situations. Spurs have become precise performers this season all thanks to Mourinho for whom the Devil is in the detail.
Spurs are one of a handful of sides to have scored against Chelsea this season, on Édouard Mendy’s debut in the League Cup, the Blues have become a more solid unit who have not conceded from open play in eight games. The Senegalese enjoyed another fine outing at his old stomping ground in midweek with his commanding presence and calming influence.
Chelsea’s defensive unit will be put to the ultimate test of the Premier League’s deadliest duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min. N’golo Kanté, who is in imperious form in his natural position will have to track Kane’s lethal turns when he forays into midfield; Thiago Silva must also marshal his defensive colleagues when Spurs make use of their rapid breaks.
Tottenham made 10 changes against Ludogorets in the Europa League so Mourinho has a fresh side to select from on Sunday.
Tanguy Ndombele has turned around his Tottenham fortunes as he is now one of Mourinho’s key players this season. The French midfielder already has a goal and assist in big games against both Manchester sides this season and provides press-resistant qualities across the pitch. Hence, Mason Mount must ensure to minimize his influence offensively and defensively.
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The North Londoners have registered five wins in a row in all competitions and will be confident of getting points off their hated rivals. They have shown the adaptability to win against big or lesser opposition and are set to repeat the dogged performance against City.
Lampard, who featured in many a Mourinho masterclass during his playing days, perhaps knows what it takes to avoid getting stifled into submission. Hence, his team must attack purposefully and neutralize Tottenham’s explosive threat on the counter.
Both clubs have been a few of the better teams in the Premier League and London’s strongest title hopefuls this season. It goes without saying that while Chelsea have a stronger depth in quality, The Mourinho Effect is a vital advantage for Tottenham.
Ninety minutes to define it on Sunday, then.
A crucial Derby win would kickstart genuine title contention for either side. Talk about bragging rights.
