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Tottenham v Chelsea: 5 reasons to back Spurs to win FA Cup glory

By Rucker Haringey

FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 666204736 and 607529584) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea (L) and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea meet in one of the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Finals on April 22, 2017 at Wembley Stadium in London. ***LEFT IMAGE*** BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea at Vitality Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on September 18, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
FILE PHOTO (EDITORS NOTE: GRADIENT ADDED - COMPOSITE OF TWO IMAGES - Image numbers (L) 666204736 and 607529584) In this composite image a comparision has been made between Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea (L) and Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur. Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea meet in one of the Emirates FA Cup Semi-Finals on April 22, 2017 at Wembley Stadium in London. ***LEFT IMAGE*** BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - APRIL 08: Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea looks on during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea at Vitality Stadium on April 8, 2017 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) ***RIGHT IMAGE*** LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 18: Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur looks on during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland at White Hart Lane on September 18, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Jose Mourinho, Manager of Manchester United looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Old Trafford on April 16, 2017 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /

2. Mourinho’s lesson

Manchester United’s clinical 2-0 victory over Chelsea last weekend did more than just tighten the title race. Jose Mourinho also provided clubs a blueprint with how to handle the Blues attack. While I don’t think Pochettino will adopt The Special One’s entire game plan, he will borrow some of it.

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The major talking point coming out of United-Chelsea was Mourinho’s decision to man mark Eden Hazard with Ander Herrera. The Belgian wasn’t given a moment’s rest during the match. Herrera was closer to Hazard than his own shadow.

Expect spurs to deploy Victor Wanyama in a similar role. He might not chase Hazard absolutely everywhere, but he’ll cover him anytime Hazard enters the Tottenham half. The Kenyan midfielder doesn’t have Hazard’s speed or quickness, but he can wear him out with his advantage in physical strength.

In many ways, Eden Hazard’s performance will tell the story of this match. If he’s able to find space and comfort on the ball, Spurs are in trouble. If Wanyama can keep him isolated, Chelsea’s chances to win take a huge hit. Back Wanyama to more than hold his own in this pivotal clash.

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