Harry Kane must be at his best for Tottenham to make a mark on Sunday, while two Chelsea stars will prove crucial in this London derby.
Games between Tottenham and Chelsea often have an underrated aura, as they somewhat fall under the shadows of more illustrious derbies. Yet, there have been significant, title-making results in the past, with the next set to have its consequences.
Two teams in contrasting forms take on each other in what promises to be a monumental London derby. On the one hand, Tottenham are out to consolidate their grip on a top-four place. On the other, Chelsea are seeking to stay relevant in whatever they plan to achieve after a disastrous season.
Chelsea, flush with their new, expensive signings, are looking to build a rhythm, and Graham Potter wants some cohesion in his squad. Meanwhile, Tottenham are coming into the top-four party after posting a few wins in recent games.
As has been the case in the past, these London derbies have had outcomes through individual brilliance. Last time out, their managers had a feisty clash after the game. But before that, Reece James and Harry Kane showed their mettle to finish the game in an eventful draw.
Tottenham vs Chelsea tomorrow, last time out was a bit feisty 🤣🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/saIuugn8BQ
— hotspurreport (@hotspurreports) February 25, 2023
Kane will again take the spotlight in this London derby, featuring two new boys at Chelsea. Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile are key to Potter’s side in this clash, as they seek a positive result as the club continues to struggle on all fronts.
Benoit Badiashile
Some football troll accounts on Twitter quickly posted a compilation of Chelsea’s goal of the month nominations for February. It featured Joao Felix’s goal against West Ham United, providing a good laugh for many and highlighting Chelsea’s current problems.
After a raft of attackers arrived at Stamford Bridge in January, they have yet to find a rhythm or understanding of each other. Potter’s chopping and changing have yet to help as they continue to find ways to seek relevance.
Benoit Badiashile has been our best addition this season.
Super centre back and was forming a great partnership with Thiago. pic.twitter.com/kElufXbLBh
— Tom Overend (@tovers98) February 23, 2023
One player who has shown composure in no time at all is Benoit Badiashile. The central defender has immediately shored up the Chelsea backline and continues working with his experienced colleagues like Thiago Silva to fortify the backline.
Badiashile is excellent on the ball and has the composure of a rather cultured defender when handling pressure situations. However, he has yet to face the division’s best all-round striker in Harry Kane, which will prove his mettle in big games.
The Tottenham game will put his skills to the test, and a big performance here will help the defender cement his position in this Chelsea backline for the future. Tottenham fans may dream of a victory against their London rivals. But Badiashile could become the thorn in those aspirations.
Enzo Fernandez
If there was another example of a player needing less time to settle in, we need to look no further than Enzo Fernandez. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner proved to be a sensational coup for Chelsea, despite breaking the British transfer record to land the midfielder.
While it is debatable whether the 22-year-old was worth the outlay, he has shown adaptability and ability to play through the level of the Premier League. It usually takes a while for players his age to get the grips in England. But the Argentine has yet to waste time.
😀🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/oEy4HSIhfN
— Enzo Fernández (@Enzo13Fernandez) February 24, 2023
As Chelsea continue struggling to find decent results, Fernandez has not put a foot wrong yet. He steadily continues to grow in that important central midfield role. And that is the position where the Blues can find some joy against Tottenham.
Amid the absence of Rodrigo Bentancur for Spurs, Fernandez has a genuine opportunity to command the area and seize control of proceedings. The team that wins the midfield battle will take three points in all probabilities. And there is a massive space in the middle to occupy.
All Fernandez needs is an excellent partner to do the other work, as the Argentine will look to control the game’s tempo. He will have to play a crucial role for Chelsea if they truly desire to win away from home at Spurs and keep their recent good record against them intact.
Harry Kane
A London derby cannot go by without Kane taking the spotlight. He is already the king of the north London derbies in his era. But the English striker has not precisely stamped his authority against Chelsea. The bitterness of the Blues squashing Tottenham’s title hopes a few years ago still lives rent-free in the heads of Spurs fans, something they need respite from.
Kane is Tottenham’s best bet to win this vital fixture. Not only is pride at stake, but the objective of consolidating their position on the Premier League table. Their primary target is to remain in fourth and keep Newcastle United at bay.
"Consistency, work ethic, quality…"
Thierry Henry explains how Harry Kane became Tottenham's all-time record scorer. 🎯 pic.twitter.com/DkO5b7e3H3
— CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) February 14, 2023
The Tottenham talisman, who has Manchester United and Real Madrid tailing him amid his uncertain future, has a sub-par record against Chelsea compared to other London rivals like Arsenal, West Ham United or Crystal Palace. He has 35 Premier League goals against those sides, scoring only five times against the Blues.
He will undoubtedly have ambitions to improve that when Tottenham hosts Chelsea. However, more importantly, he will set his sights on helping Spurs overcome their rivals to boost their top-four chances. In the game at home, Kane will rub his hands at the prospect of facing this Chelsea defence.
Kane would be crucial and, by far, the only player who could change the tide for Tottenham in their quest to overcome Chelsea. They last did it a few years ago, and this game will represent a tremendous opportunity to set the record straight.
