Tottenham’s battle for Premier League survival now takes them to one of their least-favoured grounds, Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge.
Spurs could only manage a single point in their clash against Leeds United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Monday night, having drawn 1-1.
While that result means Roberto De Zerbi’s side is now four games unbeaten, they remain dangerously close to the drop zone, with just two points separating them from West Ham United.
Spurs missed a golden opportunity to open up a four-point lead over Nuno Espirito Santo’s side and will now head into the final two games of the season with little margin for error.
Next up for Tottenham is a tricky encounter against London rivals Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge raises concern before Chelsea clash
There is no denying this is a crucial encounter for Spurs in their fight for survival, given how tight things are at the bottom of the table.
Had Tottenham beaten Leeds, a defeat at Stamford Bridge could perhaps have been absorbed, but now, should Spurs lose and West Ham beat Newcastle United, De Zerbi’s side could find themselves in the bottom three heading into the final game of the season, one point behind the Hammers.
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With everything on the line, Tottenham’s record at Stamford Bridge does not inspire much confidence ahead of next week’s encounter.
The two sides have met 33 times at Chelsea’s home ground in the Premier League, and it is the Blues who have dominated the fixture, winning 21 matches, drawing 11 and losing just once.
That sole Tottenham victory came back in 2018, eight years ago, and De Zerbi will hope his side can replicate that result in their push for survival.
Spurs must take advantage of Chelsea fatigue
Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen were the scorers the last time Tottenham won at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League, a 3-1 away win. With Alli currently solo training at Hotspur Way, perhaps he can give the current lads a bit of advice.
Chelsea are ninth in the Premier League table and remain in the hunt for a European finish, with a Europa League place the best they can now achieve.
As things stand, the Blues are also preparing for the FA Cup final and, should they beat Manchester City, they could secure Europa League qualification through that route instead.