We spoke to our Chelsea fans earlier today, and got their views on Saturdays fixture. Now we cross over to the enemy, to get views from two of their fans. Ben, a long-life Spurs fan, and Cameron, a more recent fan of the Hotspur, gave their views and predictions on the big lunchtime kick-off.
Our Chelsea fans were split, one going for a Chelsea win, the other predicting a draw. Its bound to be close, but who is going to come up trumps, lets see what the opposition fans think.
Our Spurs fans can both be found on twitter, Ben is @BenMcAleer1, and Cam is @Cameron_Missen.
Hi there lads, After a couple of disappointing results, 3 straight wins has put you well in the mix, how impressed are you by the start to the season?
Ben: The defeat at Newcastle wasn’t ideal, but it was never going to be an easy place to go, having last won there in 2004. However, since AVB has had more time to work with the squad, the cohesion that was lacking in the disappointing home draws against WBA and Norwich has returned. Whilst the performances aren’t quite up to what fans have been expecting, the results have proven that Villas-Boas can be the man to lead us to glory in the long run. The win against Manchester United could well be the turning point.
Cam: I am very impressed with the start, I think we are playing some very good football, and now we have some momentum going hopefully we can carry that on into the Chelsea game. Although we did have the disappointing results at the beginning, I think our football has improved massively since then.
Nice! So, what were your first thoughts on the AVB appointment, and how have they changed after the first 7 games?
AVB takes on his former club
Ben: When he was first announced, I was delighted. He wasn’t given the chance to prove himself in the Premier League at Chelsea, but at White Hart Lane, he will likely be granted the opportunity to really make it work. After the first seven games, this hasn’t changed and I’m confident he is the right man for the job.
Cam: I was actually happy with the appointment, as I believe he is a very good manager, that just had a few problems with players at Chelsea and went about it the wrong way. Now though I think he has fitted in very well at Spurs and the results are showing that he is getting the best out of the team.
Give me your realistic aims for Spurs this season, domestically and continentally? Top four? A Cup win?
Ben: Domestically, I think a top six finish is realistic. AVB has talked up finishing in the top four, but I can’t see it happening. This season is very much a transitional one and it’ll be next year where the squad fully begin to reap the benefits of the 35-year-old. A nice draw in both domestic cups and there is no reason why the club can’t push for domestic honours this year.
Continentally, Villas-Boas has insisted that Spurs will take the Europa League seriously, which is unsurprising considering his history on the competition. Two early draws haven’t been ideal, but there is no reason why the club can’t go all the way in Europe too,
Cam: I think finishing 4th and getting into Champions league is a good aim for the club. Especially if we spend well in the January transfer window. With Ade coming back from injury as well this will be strengthen the team. AVB has good experience with the Europa league so we have a good shout at doing well in that although winning it may be challenge, I don‘t think its unrealistic.
One of the domestic cups is a big possibility but it will all depend on the fixtures we get, although I do think they are the competitions to focus most on.
Hazard: The envy of the Premier LeagueWhich one Chelsea player would you have in the Spurs team, and why?
Ben: Is there no way I can have two?! Haha of course everyone would say Eden Hazard and I would have to agree with them. The Belgian has proven exactly why Chelsea splashed out £32m on him and with a lack of cover on the wings, he would be ideal to start, preferably on the right, of a front three.
The other I would have would be Lukaku. He hasn’t had the best of times in his short Chelsea career, making only 12 appearances in all competitions. However, his time with WBA has showcased the full capability of the young striker. Powerful in attack, he has the ability to pose a dangerous threat to any opposing defence, and at only 19, he has the attributes and time to make it as a world class player.
Cam: Id personally have Juan Mata. Its obvious he has been fantastic for Chelsea, and although Hazard has also performed well i think with Mata’s previous experience in the Prem and in big competitions with Spain, that gives him the edge.
Finally, what will the score be on Saturday, and who will bag the goals?
Ben: It’s a tough one to judge. Without Terry, Chelsea will struggle, but fortunately for Spurs; Mousa Dembele is fit following his knock on international duty. If it’s anything like last season’s 1-1 draw, I can see the Blues nicking it. However, Villas-Boas will have a point to prove against Chelsea, regardless of what he has said.
I can see goals in this one and I’ll go for a 2-2 draw, with Steven Caulker taking full advantage of Terry’s absence and Gareth Bale netting for us. Hazard and Torres for Chelsea.
Cam: I have to agree and go for a 2-2 draw but obviously i am hoping Spurs can nick in. I think Bale and Ade (if he plays) will score for Spurs and for Chelsea, Torres and Hazard will get them.
Thanks guys, both going for a draw! Its going to be a great match, and lets hope the Blues can triumph! If you support a Premier League club and would like to be considered for selection for this piece, send a message to either of the Twitter accounts below.
By Brad Smith
Follow @BrummieBrad