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Tottenham v Chelsea: 5 reasons Pochettino’s squad will top the Blues

By Rucker Haringey

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur in action during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 22: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur in action during The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium on April 22, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Eden Hazard of Chelsea scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Eden Hazard of Chelsea scores his sides second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on May 21, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

1. Eden Hazard

Let’s be honest here, if Eden Hazard isn’t fully fit for this match it’s going to really lessen the danger of Chelsea’s attack. They certainly have plenty of other talented players capable of scoring goals against Spurs, but Hazard is their best attacker by a wide margin.

Even if the Belgian attacker manages to make the match day squad, it’s hard to imagine him being at his best. In fact, it’s very possible that Conte putting him out there today might actually hurt his club’s attack. Playing a limited Hazard will throw off his club’s attack even more than leaving him on the bench altogether.

Removing him from the lineup will greatly reduce the stress Chelsea can place on Tottenham’s defense. Specifically, the Blues will struggle to stretch Spurs laterally. Trying to break down Pochettino’s defense through the middle is going to be quite a challenge for Conte’s troops.

Next: Tottenham's next three likely transfer signings

On his day, Eden Hazard is one of the most dynamic attacking players in Europe. Today won’t be his day. His lack of fitness will give Tottenham a huge edge in the year’s first London derby.

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