Cheers, BB. I'm hoping for an excellent game (though I'd take a Spurs 1-0 borefest in a heartbeat). I have the feeling both teams are going to go at it ferociously from the start. For what it's worth, I think Chelsea fans rate us the same way most are rating us right now. When AVB took over, the vultures were circling, and the likely story was "flop Chelsea upstart fails to replace legend." After four wins in a row, the vultures have gone elsewhere, but most think it's too early to jump on the bandwagon. So they're saying things like, well, pretty good so far--but not as good as Arsenal, who we know are good. To be fair, the jury is out after only seven games, but it's impressive so far how well AVB uses what he has: that Sandro-Dembele look like such a strong pair in midfield, and that he's got Defoe looking like an excellent choice for striker. Vertonghen and Bale on one side and Lennon on the other should give your defenders a good run. On the other hand, we haven't faced a trio Hazard, Mata and Oscar. I expect a lot of pressing from us.
I agree... An easy and boring win for us would suit me down to a tee. No doubt about it you're a good side but I see Bale as your big threat. I reckon that f we can stop him then we can win this game. I find it interesting to see how, although both our clubs hate each other and there is a fierce rivalry between the two, both sets of fans can realise how good the other team is. I know Spurs fans that are saying 'this will be a very tough game' and 'their attacking threat is very strong' while Chelsea fans are saying 'WHL is no easy place to go anymore' and 'with Bale and Lennon on the wings they have the ability to cause many problems'. We both realise the abilities of the other which helps make this a storming game. At WHL the atmosphere is impressive when there are no away fans there. Add our 2900 fans, the fact that it's a massive derby, the fact that both managers are out to prove a point (AVB most), the fact that we knocked you out of the Champions League and the fact that both sets of fans despise the other and we have ourselves a corker of an atmosphere to match a cracking game! Both sets of fans are very passionate and already buzzing for this one (I've been buzzing for it since the final whistle against Norwich!).
I hate to put a dampener on this but I think we're overestimating certain aspects of the game. The atmosphere will be subdued. Not because WHL has a bad atmosphere (for me it's 2nd only to Upton Park when we go there) but because all early kick offs are. Also everybody is anticipating this open and thrilling game. Games after internationals are always dull especially as players are tired after duty. You'll have some players coming back Today and then others Wednesday and some Friday, it's just totally disruptive to managers preparations. For me there's just way too much at stake for both managers and players. I see both managers going with a 4-2-3-1 formation in a cagey game, maybe 1-0, 1-1 or at best 2-1 to either side. I don't think Oscar, Mata and Hazard will all start like at Arsenal. There's more at stake for this game. Chelsea should score though. Norwich and WBA have done and even Villa had chances so we should have at least a goal in us. Spurs have scored in every home game thus far and generally are good at home in derbies so should score as well.
I'm sorry mate but I don't think it will be subdued. Even though it is an early kick off I think it will be a great atmosphere. I went to the Emirates this season and though it was an early kick off, the atmosphere certainly from our away fans was superb and I can see it being better at WHL. The fan will all be up for it and even though the players may be a bit tired due to internationals, the atmosphere in the ground will get across to them for sure. I think we will win 2-1 or 3-2. I think that if we win it will be by the odd goal but I do expect Mata, Hazard, Oscar and Torres all to start.
Bucks Blue you don't need to say sorry Honestly your too kind mate. I hope your right and I'm wrong, Really do
Oh trust me... I'm a nice guy when it's not 3 days before an away match which I'm going to. When it gets to then and when it gets to matchday at away grounds (especially Spurs).. well.... lets just say I'm a changed man Oh an I'm sure I'll be correct
Same. I'm calm and collected until football matches. Only good thing about early kick offs is I can just roll out of bed and head straight to Seven Sisters. The Barcelona game was just too nervewracking for me.
I live in Bucks (if you didn't notice) so it's a train journey into London, over to Liverpool Street, have a few pints, then off to WHL. I want to soak up the atmosphere as last time I went to WHL (my only time) we got inside 5 mins after kick off so... Will probably set off at about 10ish. But if you 'roll out of bed' and head straight there you won't be in the mood for it!?
DL.... The Victoria line is closed on Saturday between Brixton and Highbury and Islington... looks like Liverpool Street is going to be very busy with Chelsea and Spurs supporters with that being the ideal way to get to the game now...
Ah your ****ting me? Thanks for the heads up (my exasperation wasn't directed at you). Why is it every single time 2 London teams play each other tubes are down? I'd bet my ticket the District Line won't be running properly when we play West Ham
This makes the train to White Hart Lane the only real option now isn't it? It is stupid to have the tube down for a London derby like this. It just directs both sets of fans to Liverpool Street which may cause trouble... just what the Old Bill don't want!
Well a while back (I think when we played QPR) there was no District Line and part closures on most other lines on a day where Arsenal, Chelsea, Fulham and QPR were all playing in London. I remember seeing fans of all those clubs on my tube on the way back, it was chaos.
So will you be going via Liverpool Street now mate? Pop into the Railway Tavern for a drink if you want
Don't usually venture onto opposition boards but seeing as this is arguably the biggest game for both clubs in terms of passion, rivalry and revenge, I had to pop over and see what was being said in the build up. To me, for this season only, is probably the biggest derby game for us. We lost our CL place to yourselves and taken your former manager which, after a shaky start seems to be getting us to play some really good football. For you guys, losing to a former manager who wasn't particularly liked that now happens to manage one of your London rivals will be bitter to swallow and so both teams will strive for the 3 points. Both teams are in cracking form and have players that are excelling/ starting to excel beyond most in the league. I can see it being a high scoring game instead of the 1-1s/ 2-1s we've seen over the past few seasons providing the form players (and others) put on a show. Having the game at home naturally makes me believe we can win this plus in a way, we/ AVB need to win this to put some ghosts and demons to bed, it won't bring our CL place back but it'd soften the blow marginally and for AVB, nothing's sweeter than beating your old club. I'm going for 3-2. Bale, Dempsey and Adebayor our scorers. I won't wish you good luck for the game as I don't want you having any but here's hoping to a great game of footy
For me only the North London Derby is bigger in terms of importance and rivalry out of ALL London Derbies but I agree this year in particular this game is huge for both sides. Many Spurs fans who live South of the river hate Chelsea more than Arsenal anyway. Certainly Spurs fans I've grown up with. A Chelsea loss completely shifts the momentum in Spurs and the Manchester Clubs/Arsenal's favour with you being only one point behind with us having to play United whilst you have Southampton. A Chelsea win on the other hand makes it likely you'll already be playing catch up with regards to the top 4 with some tough games round the corner. It also gives us huge momentum and confidence before we play United at home, a game which I believe is more winnable for us than Saturday. It's more important for both sides not to lose than it is to win IMO. I just hope for once the game ends with no controversy on refereeing decisions/offside calls but won't hold my breath.
for both sides it is huge but who do you think care about it the most? I know all Chelsea fans have been buzzing about this game for a while as it's our biggest game of the season but I wonder if Spurs feel the same way?
