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Preview: Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur

Preview: Chelsea vs. Tottenham
© PA Photos
Chelsea can close in on fourth place if they defeat Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

Chelsea can go two points within fourth place of the Premier League with a victory over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

The Blues have been rejuvenated since the instalment of temporary coach Roberto Di Matteo. However, the former English champions did stumble to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester City last night.

Tottenham have had a torrid few weeks in the top flight, taking just one point in their last four league fixtures, which has resulted in the North London side dropping from third place in the table.

Di Matteo is unlikely to call upon John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic as the duo are hampered by injuries, which leads the way for David Luiz and Gary Cahill in defence.

Didier Drogba could return to the starting lineup in place of Fernando Torres, who gained a spot in the starting XI against Man City last night.

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp may bring in Jermain Defoe in attack if Emmanuel Adebayor fails to overcome an injury, with Sandro joining Scott Parker in the middle of the field.

Ledley King may have to bow out for Ryan Nelsen as the centre-back competed in the majority of Spurs' 1-1 draw with Stoke City last night.

Current form:

Chelsea: LWWWWL
Tottenham: DLLWLD

Possible lineups:

Chelsea: Cech; Bosingwa, Luiz, Cahill, Cole; Ramires, Lampard, Essien, Mata; Sturridge, Drogba

Tottenham: Friedel; Walker, Kaboul, Nelsen, Assoue-Ekotto; Bale, Parker, Modric, Sandro; Van der Vaart, Defoe

Sports Mole says: 1-0

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