Chelsea v Tottenham: five key battles

Chelsea face rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Monday night in what could yet be a crucial game in deciding the Premier League title. Here are five potential battles we think might be important in the derby.

Eden Hazard v Kyle Walker
Hazard’s comments that no-one at Chelsea wants to see Spurs win the league may have done the north Londoners’ team-talk for them. On the other hand, it may just pile the pressure on Tottenham, who haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since 1990. The Belgian was impressive against Bournemouth – the in-form Walker will be a different challenge.

John Terry/Gary Cahill v Harry Kane
Kane scored twice in the 5-3 win over Chelsea on New Year’s Day 2015, against the exact same back four which is likely to start again on Monday. Terry, if he’s fit enough to start, may be meeting Tottenham for the final time and won’t want to preside over the losing of that 26-year home record. If the skipper is on the bench, Cahill will be given the responsibility of tracking England team-mate Kane.

Cesc Fabregas v Mousa Dembele
As a former Arsenal and current Chelsea player, Fabregas has also said he wanted to see Leicester pip Spurs to the title. After his three assists against Bournemouth, the Spaniard will again be key to this game, though he faces a physical challenge against Dembele in the middle. Eric Dier might not play, as he faces a late fitness test.

John Mikel Obi v Christian Eriksen
With 12 assists to his name this season, Eriksen will need to be shut down for Chelsea to come out on top. Mikel filled in at centre-back at Bournemouth but is likely to be restored to his more natural role, with Terry and Cahill having returned to fitness.

Diego Costa v Jan Vertonghen
There is little love lost between this pair after a past spat, so this could be an interesting match-up. Costa has scored on both of his previous starts against Spurs, while Vertonghen has shown few signs of rustiness in the three games since his return from 11 weeks out through injury.