Potter's last chance?
Chelsea head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Sunday afternoon in what may be last chance saloon for Graham Potter in the dugout.
The Blues lost 1-0 at home to rock bottom Southampton last weekend off the back of going 1-0 behind in their Champions League last 16 tie against Borussia Dortmund.
Despite Potter seemingly symbolising a change of approach under Todd Boehly’s ownership, not even he would have imagined the appointment going this badly in the short term while heavy investment has continued, to little return, in the playing squad.
There are some cases where supporters have a huge sway in sacking managers, being such stiff opposition to a manager that an owner gives in for fear of the negative atmosphere that will be created week in week out.
A defeat to Spurs, after the Thomas Tuchel and Antonio Conte needle in the reverse fixture could see the Blues supporter base unanimously turn.
Process
Spurs have been really disappointing this season after the promise they showed under Conte last season, but there have been some small positive signs since the World Cup break that justifies them taking the favourites tag into this fixture.
Historically, Chelsea have an excellent record against Spurs, which could only lead to more intense fury directed at Potter if they lose on Sunday, but this is a Blues side who are averaging just one goal per game this season, completely different to what we have become accustomed to in recent seasons.
It looks more likely than not that Spurs are involved in a shoot-out with Liverpool for fourth place this season and therefore the league still remains very important, despite them too being 1-0 down in the middle of a last 16 tie.
Goals?
This to me looks like one of the best bets of the weekend, serious value on unders in opposing a shy Chelsea forward line alongside a stern resistance that should stand up to the challenge in North London.
Spurs have scored in eight of ten.
Spurs have conceded in four of ten.
Spurs have seen both teams score in two of ten.
Spurs have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Chelsea have scored in four of ten.
Chelsea have conceded in seven of ten.
Chelsea have seen both teams score in three of ten.
Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in two of ten.
