It is likely that we will see Spurs dominate the ball later against Chelsea unless Pochettino opts for a man-to-man approach.
The reason I say this is because in most games this season Chelsea have left the opposition with an overload in the build-up, although not all the time..
The reason I say this is because in most games this season Chelsea have left the opposition with an overload in the build-up, although not all the time..
Against Liverpool, for example, Chelsea pressed in man-to-man fashion.
Against Brighton we also saw an aggressive pressing structure which *sometimes* resembled a man-to-man approach (picture 3) but that stemmed from an approach high which consisted of aggressive shadow marking.
Against Brighton we also saw an aggressive pressing structure which *sometimes* resembled a man-to-man approach (picture 3) but that stemmed from an approach high which consisted of aggressive shadow marking.
In settled play, though, Chelsea became passive in each instance, much like how they did against Arsenal where there was a heavy emphasis on man-marking the #8's and condensing the pitch centrally.
I think we'll see a mix of both pressing and defending deep from Chelsea today.
I think we'll see a mix of both pressing and defending deep from Chelsea today.
However, despite Chelsea being capable of creating turnovers high because their press is typically compact from opposition goal kicks, we should still see Spurs dominate the ball due to the fact that they will consistently play out from the back with an overload in the build-up.
That's not the only reason as to why I say that, though.
Chelsea build in a 4-2-4 shape and this is a set-up that Spurs have faced quite a lot this season and they are incredibly aggressive within a constant man-to-man press, even if Chelsea build with 3 in advanced zones.
Chelsea build in a 4-2-4 shape and this is a set-up that Spurs have faced quite a lot this season and they are incredibly aggressive within a constant man-to-man press, even if Chelsea build with 3 in advanced zones.
Arsenal, Liverpool, and Brentford (as seen below), for example, all transition into a back 3 in settled play, and Spurs pressed in relentlessly aggressive man-to-man fashion in each circumstance by adjusting their shape to match up with the opposition's 4-2-4-turned-3-2-5.
Chelsea often make a similar adaption within their offensive set-up, & it is something Spurs can match up with.
However, even if Chelsea don't transition into a back 3 shape like against Arsenal where they maintained a 4-2-4 shape, Spurs can continue to press like they did high.
However, even if Chelsea don't transition into a back 3 shape like against Arsenal where they maintained a 4-2-4 shape, Spurs can continue to press like they did high.
Such an aggressive approach from both teams from opposition goal kicks will likely see some mistakes in the build-up but also lots of long balls into midfield where each team will battle for duels and try to exploit each other in transitional situations or sustain some attacks.
Both teams are dangerous here w/ Spurs having the edge due to the fact that their attackers are more ruthless than Chelsea's are but Chelsea are still threatening here.
However, there are some specific dynamics Chelsea can implement to try & exploit Spurs' man-marking structure.
However, there are some specific dynamics Chelsea can implement to try & exploit Spurs' man-marking structure.
If Palmer, for example, starts in the right half space between the lines he can attract van de Ven, pull him out of defence, create space in behind, and one of Chelsea's attackers can attack the vacated space with VDV out of position and unable to use his speed to recover.
Spurs can also be quite light in terms of depth from the bench. If Maddison or Son get pulled off at any stage some of their killer instinct can be lost, and they also lack players to come on to maintain the quality they have in possession at fullback or in midfield, for example.
Bentancur's return is big and will aid Spurs in the long-run, but he only played a couple of minutes away at Palace in his first game back last time out.
I'm not so sure it is reasonable to except him to come off the bench and maintain Spurs' on and off ball threat!
I'm not so sure it is reasonable to except him to come off the bench and maintain Spurs' on and off ball threat!
However, that is all dependent on game state, because as much as Spurs' threat off the bench is not amazing, it *can* be good if they are trying to break down Chelsea, for example, as someone like Brennan Johnson is an incredibly effective difference maker in such circumstances.
As a whole, though, the dynamics in the game favour Spurs as they will likely have an overload in the build-up, time and space on the ball in settled play, and they also press with more aggression than Chelsea.
They're also at home with is another clear advantage with the crowd.
They're also at home with is another clear advantage with the crowd.
As simplistic as this may sound, teams who are at home, take more shots, average more possession, and are ranked higher in the table are more likely to win.
That is a cold-hard fact.
Spurs have those undeniable and likely edges over Chelsea, but football isn't played on paper..
That is a cold-hard fact.
Spurs have those undeniable and likely edges over Chelsea, but football isn't played on paper..
We have seen how compact Chelsea can be.
We have to acknowledge that they have the quality and balance of profiles to exploit Spurs' man-to-man approach and the quality to break them down in settled play or in transition.
If one thing is for sure, though, it'll be a top game!
We have to acknowledge that they have the quality and balance of profiles to exploit Spurs' man-to-man approach and the quality to break them down in settled play or in transition.
If one thing is for sure, though, it'll be a top game!
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