LAGOS, Nigeria – Chelsea go return to action this week as dem face Tottenham for big London derby on Thursday night at Stamford Bridge. Dis go be dem first match since March international break, as dem dey fight for top-four position wey go guarantee dem Champions League next season.
As dem prepare for this crucial match, Chelsea dey in fourth place for Premier League table with 49 points, just one point ahead of fifth-placed Manchester City. Tottenham, meanwhile, dey struggle for form as dem sit down for 14th with 34 points, far from relegation battle but also far from top-four finish.
“We know sey dis match na do-or-die for us,” Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca talk as him dey preview the game. “We go aim to get three points to solidify our place for Champions League qualification.”
Chelsea go also dey look forward to UEFA Conference League quarter-finals against Legia Warsaw later this month, making dis match even more important for dem. Na so Maresca and hin squad go want start dem final push for the season.
In terms of fixtures, Chelsea still get nine more Premier League games left, and dem go play five of dem for home at Stamford Bridge. After dis match against Tottenham, dem go also host Ipswich Town, Everton, Liverpool, and Manchester United before season end. Dem go also travel for four away matches against Brentford, Fulham, Newcastle, and Nottingham Forest.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s coach Ange Postecoglou try to wade through injury crisis wey don plague dem all season, and na now hin get most of hin players back. “E go be tough match, but we dey prepare to give dem fight,” Postecoglou share. Dis season dey full with ups and downs for both teams, and as dem prepare for dis clash, anything fit happen.
Last time dem meet, Chelsea win by 4-3 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and number of goals for dis match don dey expected to dey high again. Chelsea key players like Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke don dey back from injury, ready to bolster hin attack.
On the other hand, Spurs also go rely on players like Son Heung-min and James Maddison as dem look to turn dem season around. Despite dem current league standing, Tottenham still get experience and talent to challenge any top team.
“Dis na crucial moment for both teams,” Maresca conclude. “We go give our best to secure victory and maintain our Champions League hopes.”
