Can Chelsea Extend their Tottenham Record?

The 'Special One' pulled a few rabbits out of the hat midweek with his team selection, but I suspect that Cech and Ferreira will get recalls. Gudjohnsen, despite the rumours of him walking out in disgust on Wednesday will be back in the fold and therefore I go with the following team for this afternoon's encounter.

Cech, Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Del Horno, Makelele, Wright-Phillips, Gudjohnsen, Lampard, Duff, Drogba.

Should Frank Lampard start, Lamps will extend his record run of Premiership appearances to 150. Another 10 games and he will surpass David James' Premiership record for all players.

Tottenham themselves are not without their own injury problems. Definitely out are King, Pamarot, Davis and Routledge. Doubtful are Gardner and Tainio. Expect new signing Edgar Davids and Jermaine Defoe to be recalled to the starting line-up.

Jose Mourinho had a few words to say about the 'record.'

"Our record against Arsenal didn’t play on our minds when we played against them last week. It didn’t play on our minds when we had to play against Blackburn last season and they had a big record at Stamford Bridge.

"We are professionals and we don’t look to that. Records are to be broken and it will not surprise me if they beat us one day. For me that is normal.

"But I think we are playing well again. We are confident and I think we can carry on with the record."

Tottenham are not without their own injury worries. Reports suggest doubts over the fitness of defender Anthony Gardner and new midfielder Teemu Tainio. Ledley King, Noe Pamarot, Sean Davis and another summer arrival, Wayne Routledge are listed as definitely out.

Regardless, Mourinho experts tough opposition.

"They play as a team and that is what makes them difficult for you. If a team has a good striker, a good central defender or a good keeper then it is never a threat to you. The problem is when they have good teams, have team organisation and structure and that is what Martin Jol is working at."

Mourinho also revealed that the intensity of the preparations for the game are such that both John Terry and Petr Cech declined the chance to attend the Champions League draw in person to collect individual European Club Football Awards.

"I gave them permission to go. It is a nice situation for a player. But John Terry was with a little injury so he preferred to stay for his treatment and his recovery and Petr Cech didn’t play on Wednesday. He said to me he didn’t want to be without work Wednesday and Thursday. That was their option."

Last seasons results were 0-0 at Stamford Bridge, and a Chelsea 2-0 win at White Hart Lane.