Chelsea away 13th September

By Jon H
September 12 2003

So then, the game that many of us dread is upon us. At least we’re getting it out of the way early this season I suppose. A new evil empire has arisen in the West - one led by a Rasputin-like figure who has cast his spell over the fractious bearded-one.

Chelsea away 13th September 2003
So then, the game that many of us dread is upon us. At least we’re getting it out of the way early this season I suppose. A new evil empire has arisen in the West - one led by a Rasputin-like figure who has cast his spell over the fractious bearded-one. The west London hordes will no doubt be in full voice come Saturday, so please Spurs, PLEASE don’t concede an early goal. I have paid £49 for a ticket and I fully intend to get my rouble’s worth out of it.

This is likely to be our toughest away match of the season so cutting off the supply to Mutu and Hasselbaink/Crespo is going to be crucial to our chances of coming away with something. There are three realistic options open to us: 4-4-2, 3-5-2, or 4-5-1. A 3-5-2 formation, I argue, is best adopted when Christian Ziege is available and fully fit. If not, then 3-5-2 would leave us critically exposed in the centre of midfield, whereas if we play 4-4-2, we look more solid. Against Liverpool when Murphy came on in tandem with Gerrard we showed signs of being overrun. Against another quality outfit I can see more of the same on Saturday if we go 3-5-2. I personally would like to see us play 4-5-1 on Saturday. That way we should have ample cover in midfield, although all will have to work extremely hard to ensure that we still offer an attacking threat. Whatever formation is employed, it will be vital to pose Chelski problems, because if they build up a head of steam then we could fall victim to a Russian steamroller of Kursk-like proportions.

Steven Carr knows Damien Duff as well as anyone, but it's vital that he doesn't become isolated on the right. Duff though, as against Leicester, has a habit of swapping flanks and drifting over to the right, so Spurs will have to be aware of this threat. I’m yet to be convinced that three tall central defenders are the answer to the questions posed by modern day strikers, especially ones as skilled in their art as Adrian Mutu and Hernan Crespo. As such I feel that Mabizela should be given a run out alongside Richards as he’s quick and agile. This move could mean that Ledley King could then be pushed into a deep, holding midfield role, thus adding further protection to the back four. On the left Konchesky would relish the opportunity to enhance his chances of securing a permanent move to Spurs by playing against Jesper Gronkjaer, who should get the nod on the right given Geremi’s 3 match ban.

On the right side of midfield for Spurs, Simon Davies, if picked, is more than capable on his day of giving Wayne Bridge the run around - the only problem is that Super Si has gestated into 'Super Sigh'. Whatever is afflicting him at present, he's really got to snap out of it soon and it may as well be Saturday that he emerges from his torpor. Otherwise Spurs fans may have to face an unpalatable prospect – that being that Simon Davies has now reached the apex of his development under Hoddle, and that maybe his future now lies away from the Lane. I sincerely hope though, that this is not the case.

It is difficult at the moment to speculate just who out of Chelski’s galaxy of stars will be in the engine room, given their recent acquisition of Claude Makelele from Real Madrid. If fit, then I believe he will get the nod alongside Veron, although given Petit [who replaced Duff at half time against Blackburn] and Lampard’s recent performances they could start. Lampard was especially impressive when he almost single-handledly helped to re-inflate those punctured egos versus Blackburn when they fell behind for the first time this season. Whoever plays there is bound to offer a stern test. For our part, Jamie Redknapp will need to be on the top of his game, as will Stephane Dalmat, who I sincerely hope, gets the nod in the centre of midfield. If we play 4-5-1 [which I doubt] then young Rohan Ricketts would also add strong running and enthusiasm into the mix. On the left of midfield, I would like to see Blondel given a chance, although it is highly unlikely that Hoddle will risk him in such a pressure cooker of a match. Playing both Blondel and Konchesky I believe would provide genuine balance to the side and give us greater attacking options and ergo give Chelski something to worry about at the back.

It is now time for Bobby Zamora, Helder Postiga and Fredi Kanoute to deliver the goods. All have shown tantalising glimpses of what they can do, but these glimpses have been few and often far between. Postiga needs, and indeed craves, decent service to feet and down the channels. Far too many balls have been lofted up in the air, for example at Liverpool, Birmingham and also against Fulham – much to his frustration. As I have said before, once he gets the ball to feet and is allowed to run at defences he is capable of creating havoc. Kanoute also, has flattered to deceive, but tends to play well against better opposition. Let’s hope that he has an‘on’ day on Saturday. Bobby Zamora, the hero of Brighton can, I believe, become the darling of the White Hart Lane faithful on Saturday. Bobby – the time is now, you can do it son.

Spurs then will be looking to nullify the twin threats of Gronkjaer and Duff while offering attacking options of their own. Ricketts, Davies, Dalmat, and Blondel if risked, are all capable of getting behind Chelski given a chance, especially if Duff and Gronkjaer get caught upfield, as neither are the best defensively. Given that Veron and Lampard/Petit also lack pace, it is entirely feasible that Spurs can create attacking opportunities. Actually converting these chances into goals is another matter altogether with that pesky Cudicini in goal. He seems to lead a charmed life against us in league games. I have a sneaky suspicion that Bobby is going to stick one past him on Saturday.

Chelski fans will also now have to find some other form of half-time entertainment given the closing of the Berlin Wall [sorry transfer window]. I suppose they’ll have to settle for some Borscht and a Bovril now that they won’t be able to parade yet another new signing around Stamforditsch Bridgski. Lets hope that they’re also eating some humble pie come 4.50 on Saturday afternoon. Maybe it’s me living in cloud cuckoo land [still] but I can already hear a faint rendition of “you can stick the blue flag up your Arse(nal)” echoing round a rapidly emptying Stamford Bridge as 1500 Spurs fans make up for over a decade of disappointment and ridicule.

Prediction: A hard fought 1-1 draw with Zamora to come off the bench to snatch a deserved point.

My team:
------------------Keller--------------------
Carr, Mabizela, Richards, Konchesky
Davies, Redknapp, King, Dalmat, Blondel
----------------Postiga------------------------
Subs:
Hirschfeld
Tarricco
Poyet
Zamora
Kanoute