FA Cup preview: Tottenham Hotspur v. Chelsea
Monday, 19 March 07, 07:05 PM · Comments (12)
Here we go again.
Just two days after demolishing Sheffield United, Chelsea travel the short distance to White Hart Lane for an FA Cup sixth round replay.
The first meeting at Stamford Bridge produced a classic (for the neutral) 3-3 draw which will be spoken of for many seasons to come. Trailing 1-3 at half time, Jose Mourinho engineered a brilliant comeback during which he had just two recognised defenders on the pitch.
I'd hazard a guess that most of us don't want to witness a similar scenario in this game.
Chelsea's unbeaten record at White Hart Lane stretched back to 1987 prior to last November's shock defeat in the Premiership.
That day Martin Jol got his tactics spot on. Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon terrorised Paulo Ferreira and Khalid Boulahrouz at right-back, and it was this that ultimately cost Chelsea the game.
It could be said that Mourinho didn't learn his lesson.
In the first meeting at the Bridge, Ferreira lined up at right-back and was once again like a duck out of water, so much so that he was substituted after 34 minutes. Within five of those minutes on the pitch he had allowed Jermain Defoe to breeze past him setting in motion the move that led to Spurs' opening goal.
Will Mourinho give Ferreira a third chance against Spurs' flying wingers? I'm hoping not.
In team news, Michael Essien could return from the knee injury he suffered in the first game between the sides, while Jon Obi Mikel is available after suspension.
Dimitar Berbatov, Robbie Keane and Aaron Lennon are expected to return to Spurs' starting line-up after being rested for the win over Watford at the weekend.
Spurs' victory last Guy Fawkes' Day was their first in 11 against Chelsea in all competitions. The North Londoners are currently enjoying a fine run of form and have scored 26 goals in their last eight games.
Chelsea are undefeated in 13 League and Cup games and have won their last three away from home.
It should be quite a night.
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FA Cup is the only trophy Jose has not won in his career. He won all possible titles and cups in Portugal including Champions League. In England, he has won the community shield, Carling Cup and the Premiership but not yet the FA Cup. So, he would be very eager to get the missing piece in is trophy cabinet. This match against Tottenham would be very crucial for our ultimate success in FA Cup. I have a feeling that if we cross this hurdle of Tottenham, the semi-finals against Blackburn or the possible final against Man Utd would all be more winnable than this match. In that manner, I see this match as the FA Cup final for us.
My prediction is 2-1 for Chelsea.
If Spurs beat Chelsea tonight, justice have been served as we deserved the win at Stamford Fridge
Sorry bone, no way through to the semi's!! Shev wonder goal and Shaun's as well gave us place in almost last round of FA Cup. Even ref couldn't change it but damn he was trying hard with that penalty!
Up the CHELS :)
PS. And what a wonderful end of the day with Jose showing that Chelsea is in his heart!
did anybody say 2-1? yeah spot'on! quite a good match and we kinda of control the game before our goals.
although there are improvements again need, i'll that for now to savour the sweet victory!
Quite a night indeed!
Beating Spurs is always good, especially in an FA Cup QF and with such brilliant goals.
CHELSEA IS THE BEST FOTBALL CLUB EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
AGE 8
12 Comments · Add yours
I will score another goal tonight...
Awww no. Robinson is gonna score another goal? Damnit. I hope Cech's marking is spot on to keep Robinson in check.