Tottenham Hotspur’s visit to Chelsea tomorrow night is a match-up featuring prominent figures issuing high profile apologies. Call it the London Derby of Regretted Past Behavior. On one side, Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has been charged by the Football Association for his angrily getting in the face of referee Mike Dean.
He has since apologized for his behavior. On the other side, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga on Sunday refused the orders of his manager Maurizio Sarri to come out of the EFL Cup final. Sarri erupted, and the incident went viral all over the web. Both sides have offered an explanation, and Kepa has since apologized.
So that we’re up to speed, let’s talk fitness situation for both sides, starting with Spurs.
Dele Alli remains out, as he continues his recovery from a thigh issue. Eric Dier missed the loss at Burnley due to injury, and he is not expected to recover in time for this one. Overall though, Tottenham are definitely trending towards being on the mend, as Ben Davies joined Harry Kane in returning to the squad on the weekend.
Davies could feature in this one, after going unused at the Turf Moor. Chelsea have essentially a fully fit squad, with the only doubt perhaps second team defender Davide Zapppacosta, who has an undisclosed illness.
Tottenham Hotspur at Chelsea FC FYIs
Kick-off: Wednesday February 27, Stamford Bridge, 8pm (BST), 3pm (EST)
Odds via Odds Checker: Tottenham Hotspur 12/5, Draw 5/2, Chelsea FC 13/10
Google Result Probability: Tottenham win 64%, Draw 28%, Chelsea FC win 43%
Starting XI Predictions: Tottenham Hotspur Chelsea FC
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2, Chelsea FC 1
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, a former writer for NBC Chicago.com and Chicago Tribune.com, regularly appears as a guest pundit on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
He also contributes sociopolitical essays to Chicago Now. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. The content of his cat’s Instagram account is unquestionably superior to his.