Tottenham vs. Chelsea: 5 Players to Watch as Blues invade White Hart Lane

Gareth Bale of Tottenham Hotspur (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

Domestic football resumes this weekend, and the Premier League campaign will get back underway with the eagerly anticipated London derby between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at White Hart Lane. There will be plenty up for grabs in Saturday’s early kick-off, with the game marking Andre Villas-Boas’ first skirmish with his former employers after his premature departure last season. Furthermore, with Chelsea unbeaten this season, and Spurs on the back of a four-game winning streak, both sides will enter the game in red-hot form. Here are just a few names from either side to keep an eye on in what looks set to be an highly exciting affair.
Tottenham: Gareth Bale

Bale has been on the receiving end of rave reviews this season, such as his former manager Harry Redknapp’s claims that he ranks alongside world-beaters Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His two goals against for Wales to down Scotland last week were a glimpse of this quality, and the left-winger has also netted important goals for his club side in the wins against Reading and Manchester United earlier this season. Thus Bale will undoubtedly be hoping to carry on this top form, and if Chelsea opt to field regular right-back Branislav Ivanovic, the Serb’s surging runs forward may provide Bale with enough space with which to punish the Blues. Expect a lively display from Bale, as he looks to truly cement his reputation as one of the top players in European football at present.
Chelsea: Fernando Torres
The Spaniard’s form at Chelsea has been often criticized since his £50 million move from Liverpool in 2011, but this season he is already starting to show glimpses of his former self. Picking up the Golden Boot at Euro 2012 will have been a massive confidence boost, and having scored the opening goals in the Blues’ last two Premier League games, he will be hoping to push on and reassert himself as one of the most fearsome strikers in England. And what better place to start then White Hart Lane? Torres’ goal against Arsenal showed his natural instinct and ability has not deserted him, and scoring a third goal in as many games this weekend could be enough to elevate Torres to heights of old. Thus he will be desperate to deliver against Spurs this Saturday.
Tottenham: Jan Vertonghen
One of Andre Villas-Boas’ earliest signings at Tottenham, the Belgian has performed admirably so far this campaign. Usually a center-half, he has been asked to fill in at left-back so far and has done so with consummate ease, even helping himself to the opening goal in the 3-2 success against Manchester United at Old Trafford recently. His defensive credibility will certainly be tested this weekend, against one of the most potent and creative attacking forces in Roberto Di Matteo’s Chelsea side. Will Vertonghen be able to subdue the likes of Torres, Eden Hazard, Oscar and Juan Mata? If his previous displays are anything to go by then the answer is a resounding yes, but the Belgian is definitely one to keep an eye on in what will arguably be his trickiest test since arriving in England.
Chelsea: John Terry
The status of John Terry this weekend will be closely monitored, whether he plays or not. His appearance is largely based on whether or not he appeals the four-match ban handed to him by the FA for allegedly racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand. The ban will commence either once Terry accepts the charges, or once an appeal process is completed, the deadline for which is 6pm GMT on Thursday. If he doesn’t appeal, he will miss the game, but if he does, he may well feature against Spurs this weekend. But even then, will he be able to cope with the pace of Tottenham’s attack? With the likes of Bale and Aaron Lennon patrolling either flank, and Jermain Defoe occupying the central striking position, Terry could be in for a particularly busy afternoon if he does manage to play at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham: Jermain Defoe
And finally, it will be well watching the vastly-improved Jermain Defoe, who has been enjoying a rich vein of form after being restored to the first-team under Villas-Boas this season. A record of four goals from seven games has seen Defoe propelled back into the international fold, making him now a vital commodity for both club and country. And as previously mentioned, his pace could cause Chelsea defense no end of problems, with his clinical prowess in front of goal more than capable of laying the Blues to the sword. With Spurs playing at home, expect an attacking display from Villas-Boas’ men, creating an environment in which Defoe will thrive. I would not be surprised to see the Englishman add to his admirable tally so far this season.
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