Spurs vs Chelsea betting tips

You have to go back to 1987 for the last time Spurs beat Chelsea at White Hart Lane, which was when the Premiership was known as the First Division. The Blues have collected three points at 'The Lane' in nine of their 14 visits since the inauguration of the Premiership, the remaining five matches ending all square. The stats clearly don't bode well for Martin Jol's men. Spurs haven't made a terrible start to the Premiership this term as far as results go, but their performances have often left a bit to be desired. However, the north London outfit proved against FC Bruges in the UEFA Cup in midweek that when they've got the bit between their teeth, they are good. Indeed, their 3-1 beating of the Belgian side was much more like what we have been expecting of Spurs this term. Despite going behind early on, they approached the game positively and Dimitar Berbatov starred with a brace, an excellent volley in the first half and a powerful header after the interval, either side of Robbie Keane's well-taken goal. Chelsea also excelled in European action during the week, gaining a highly creditable 2-2 draw with their arch enemies, Barcelona, in the Champions League. Although they have often looked workmanlike rather than impressive in the Premiership, Jose Mourinho's charges are adept at grinding out results, and it is this very quality which has set them apart from their rivals and seen them claim the Premiership title for the last two seasons. The sw London side have won their last three away fixtures and five out of their six matches on their travels in all competitions so far this term. Not always pretty, but highly effective. And, unless Spurs rise to the occasion and play above themselves, I cannot see any reason why this match should result in anything less than three points for Chelsea. The Blues need three points from this fixture to continue to match strides at the summit of the table with the in-form Man Utd, who beat Portsmouth 3-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday. Spurs will be without midfielder Paul Stalteri and defensive duo Calum Davenport and Lee Young-Pyo, but otherwise they are at full strength, with plenty of attacking options. But, despite their plentiful offensive firepower, Spurs have scored just six times in the Premiership this term, and have conceded ten. Conversely, Chelsea have netted 17 and conceded just five. Apart from likely absentee Carlo Cudicini, Mourinho is able to pick his starting XI from a full-strength squad, as Andriy Shevchenko is back in the mix following a minor injury. While the Ukrainian hitman has failed to make the expected impact for Chelsea so far, Didier Drogba has been in cracking form. And midfielders Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack remain potent threats when going forward. This game is unlikely to throw up a hatful of goals, so my advice is to split stakes and opt for a wager on Chelsea to win 1-0 and 2-0 at 6/1 and 7/1 respectively with Betfred. Verdict: 1pt Chelsea 1-0 in the correct score market @ 6/1 (Betfred)1pt Chelsea 2-0 in the correct score market @ 7/1(Betfred)