Premier League: The Master Welcomes the Apprentice

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea

You can say many things about José Mourinho but one is undisputed, he is a proven winner and I suspect that will come to the fore again this Sunday.

At the club where he really made his name in English football, it would once have been unthinkable for Mourinho to be in the dugout of Chelsea’s arch rivals, Spurs.

Yet here we are at the back end of 2019 and it is my belief that, as long as they avoid serious injuries, the Portuguese boss will mastermind Spurs finishing above his old favourites in the Premier League and seal a Champions League places come next May.

Whether you agree or not with his sackings both at Chelsea and, more recently Manchester United, there is no doubt he brings success and trophies where he goes and Spurs could be about to end their barren years with him at the helm.

But if he is the master craftsman, what of his apprentice who he faces this weekend – someone he enjoyed so much success with during a three year period.

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Talking Points

The pair previously enjoyed a profitable manager/player relationship, collecting two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and two League Cup winners medals together.

And Frank Lampard has long acknowledged the Portuguese boss’ lasting influence on his career.

Indeed, Lampard was one of Mourinho’s star men and is now showing impressive early steps in his own managerial career.

When they met last season, the apprentice actually won in a penalty shootout but that was against a United side playing with 10 men.

This time there is more on the line.

There is no love lost between these two teams and, at times, that bad blood has crossed beyond the acceptable, not least the ‘Battle of the Bridge’ in 2016.

Spurs did beat them twice at home last season and more Premier League highlights could be coming their way.

Mourinho’s influence has already been evident this week with the news that central defender Toby Alderweireld had agreed a new deal after seeming certain to leave for nearly 18 months.

Tottenham have also won four of their five Premier League games under Mourinho, more victories than in their final 15 matches under Mauricio Pochettino.

In addition, Mourinho hasn’t lost any of his last 54 Premier League games when his side has scored the opening goal (won 48, drawn six) so if Spurs score first on Sunday, they are unlikely to be defeated.

Chelsea have won only 2 of their last 13 away Premier League games against Spurs drawing 5 and losing 6 — Frank Lampard looking concerned after a series of defeats in Premier League

If the hosts win, Chelsea will have lost three consecutive league games for the first time since a similar streak in November 2015, in Mourinho’s penultimate month in charge.

Which way do you think it will go?

History

Many SBOBET fans will know there is much history between these two rivals.

After holding a hoodoo over Spurs for so long, Chelsea then struggled in recent years against their London rivals.

Yet it was even steven last term with one win apiece in the league – the most recent being a 2-0 home victory for Chelsea in late February.

Spurs won this corresponding fixture in a 3-1 Wembley success last November, Maurizio Sarri’s first defeat in the Premier League.

They also won 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in April 2018 – their first success in 31 visits to Stamford Bridge in all competitions since February 1990.

Overall, Chelsea have triumphed in 70 of their meetings with Spurs enjoying victory 54 times and 40 matches ending all square.

Of course, Chelsea won in a penalty shoot-out in last season’s League Cup semi-final after the two-legged tie had finished 2-2 on aggregate.

Betting Tip

	Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea	Tottenham Hotspur Asian Handicap -0.50 @ 2.40
	December 23, 00:30 (GMT+8)

The SBOBET Premier League betting odds show that these are two closely matched sides.

You can back the hosts 1X2 @ 2.39, Chelsea @ 2.86 and the draw @ 3.30.

With Asian Handicap odds, how about -0.25 Spurs @ 2.04 or Chelsea + 0.25 @ 1.89.

Total goal 2-3 @ 2.06 and 4-6 @ 2.75 suggest there will be goals, while a repeat of last term – correct score Spurs 3-1 Chelsea – is available @ 17.00.

Having stealthily moved to within striking distance of their rivals over the last few weeks, Tottenham know that victory will take them into the top four.

Mourinho has never lost a home fixture against a side he has previously managed, winning 12 and drawing one of 13 such matches in league and cup, and I expect that record to continue.