Tottenham vs Chelsea Tactical Preview
The last time both these teams met at the lane, Chelsea were top of the Premier League, Spurs were trying to find their identity under Pochettino. Costa was scoring goals for fun and Kane was an unknown quantity who had suddenly sprung to life. Fast forward 11 months, Chelsea are no longer top dogs and are in the middle of an identity crisis, Spurs are firing on all cylinders with Pochettino’s philosophy finally taking full effect. Costa has come under the firing line and Kane is among the most feared marksmen in the league.
Here we take a look at whether Chelsea can get back on their bus (finally) or if Spurs will continue their high tempo, a swashbuckling brand of football under Pochettino.
Talking Tactics
With Terry out injured and Ivanovic just returning from injury, Chelsea’s back four looks nailed on with Zouma and Cahill in the heart of the defence. Azpilicueta and Baba providing the width. Delle Alli’s injury for Spurs means fit-again Mason will slot into the midfield 3.
Note: Keeper: Lloris
Chelsea are expected to start in a 4-2-3-1 (defensively to be a 4-4-1-1) with Hazard and Costa left up top to counter and Spurs are variant of 4-2-3-1 where the no.10 or the CAM is expected to contribute to attack as well as defend. It will be interesting to see if Dembele reverts to his position leading the trident in midfield or slot in the base as Pochettino puts a lot of emphasis on these two particular positions. The No.10 in Pochettino’s philosophy is an all-around combative player rather than the just the creative hub of the team. The Spurs boss had brilliantly inverted the roles of Dembele and Alli in their last match against West Ham to devastating effect. West Ham failed to control an irresistible Alli throughout the game who was involved as much in breaking attacking moves as making them.
Tottenham vs Chelsea Tactics
The way Spurs go about their game with high-intensity pressing would usually be perfect for a Mourinho team. To sit back, absorb the pressure and hit them on the break is Mourinho’s trademark game plan, a plan which he usually thrives on. Chelsea’s unusual slump and identity crisis means this is not guaranteed at the moment adds an extra spice to the game. This match however difficult it might be for Chelsea at the moment based on current form would be the perfect opportunity for them to get back on track.
Ramires’s injury means Mourinho loses a hard-working player who tracks back and Terry’s injury midweek means he can’t stick Zouma in midfield. This would have been perfect for Chelsea as the back 6 would be able to absorb all the pressure and hit Spurs on the break. The lack of players who usually contribute to Chelsea’s otherwise exceptional defence puts extra pressure on the wide men – mostly Willian and Oscar to track back to the centre and also the wings. Hazard is unlikely to start out wide due to his lack of contribution to the defensive side of the game.
Key Areas
Chelsea’s usual deep defensive line means Spurs fast transition from defence to attack wouldn’t count for much. It will be really key for them if they can get their CAM ( Either Dembele or Mason) to account for that extra man in midfield and make late runs into the box. Willian’s and Oscars’ defensive capabilities would also be tested to the maximum as Rose and Walker have been bombing forward at every opportunity they get and it is another area which Chelsea should look to cut out. From Chelsea’s attacking point of view, Fabregas can be viewed as a key player who has the capability to unlock defences and release either Hazard or Costa. Spurs willingness to attack is likely to leave a two on two opportunity for Chelsea’s front two against Alderweireld and Vertonghen which gives them the perfect chance for a smash and grab.
Summary
It’s a classic showdown between football’s so-called good and bad, attack vs defence, possession vs absorption. Spurs started the match 11 months ago trying to find their identity under Pochettino and got a perfect response. This time around it is Chelsea’s turn to find their identity and defensive steel. The battle at the lane has all the makings of a mouth-watering Super Sunday.
Tottenham Women have signed Japan international Maika Hamano on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season, marking their fourth signing of the January transfer window. The 21 year old versatile attacker joins fellow new arrivals Matilda Nildén, Hannah Wijk and Signe Gaupset as Martin Ho strengthens his squad for a top four push.
Hamano joined Chelsea from INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2023 and was a member of Japan’s 2023 World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics squads. However, she has seen limited minutes at Stamford Bridge this season under Sonia Bompastor, prompting the loan move to secure regular playing time.
Versatile Forward Provides Emergency Cover
The attacker can play anywhere across the forward line, operating on both flanks and centrally. She appears to be emergency cover for Jess Naz, who is out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL injury in December. The loan is believed to be a dry loan with no purchase option included.
The only downside to Hamano’s arrival is that she will miss a couple of games this spring alongside fellow Japan international Toko Koga for the Asian Cup. Claire Hunt will also be absent during that period for international duty.
Spurs Positioning for Top Four Finish
Tottenham’s aggressive January business signals their ambition to finish in the top four or five this season. Reports suggest they are not finished in the transfer market with Julie Blakstad and Larissa Mühlhaus also mentioned as potential targets.
The club has moved swiftly to address squad weaknesses after struggling in the first half of the campaign. Hamano’s versatility gives Ho tactical flexibility as Spurs look to climb the WSL table when they return from the winter break on January 10.
Chelsea
(Photos) Chelsea Star Sam Kerr Marries USWNT’s Kristie Mewis in Australian Wedding of the Year as Matildas Captain Carries Son Jagger Down Aisle
Sam Kerr married longtime partner Kristie Mewis in a stunning New Year’s Eve ceremony at Dionysus Villa in Perth’s Swan Valley. The Chelsea striker and former USWNT midfielder, who welcomed son Jagger earlier in 2025, exchanged vows in front of 120 guests at the luxurious Venetian inspired estate in what Australian media dubbed “Australian sport’s wedding of the year.”
Kerr dazzled in a classic black tuxedo with a white buttonhole rose while Mewis wore a white sparkling gown featuring a corset and long veil. In a touching moment, Kerr carried their seven month old son down the aisle with Mewis later revealing on her podcast that she would “sob when that happens.”
Matildas Stars Among Superstar Guests
The guestlist included several of Kerr’s Matildas teammates including Steph Catley, Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy, who all wore black outfits in line with the dress code. Arsenal stars Caitlin Foord and Katie McCabe also attended alongside former United States teammate Stephanie McCaffrey.
The couple got engaged in late 2023 after meeting in 2019 and officially announcing their relationship in 2021. They celebrated into the early hours of 2026 before flying back to London with baby Jagger after a brief stay at the Crown Towers hotel.
A full honeymoon is on hold due to Kerr’s upcoming fixture for Chelsea against West Ham on January 11th.
Wedding Caps Remarkable Recovery
The ceremony caps a remarkable two years for Kerr following her ACL injury sustained in January 2024 that kept her out for 20 months. Her recovery was extended due to an undiscovered issue with the surgical graft that caused persistent pain and dark days during rehabilitation.
She made her return in September 2025, scoring her 100th Chelsea goal minutes after coming off the bench against Aston Villa.
Also read: Sjoeke Nüsken Open to Chelsea Exit as Bayern Munich Circle, Expresses Her Preference
Arsenal Dragon
Top Women’s Football Free Agents in 2026 as Lucy Bronze, Bunny Shaw and Georgia Stanway Among Stars With Expiring Contracts
A large number of high profile players in women’s football will become free agents this summer with reigning WSL champions Chelsea facing the potential departure of eight first team stars. Lucy Bronze, Hannah Hampton, Millie Bright, Aggie Beever Jones, Sam Kerr, Catarina Macario, Guro Reiten and Rebecca Spencer are all out of contract or require options to be exercised.
All Chelsea players are available to sign pre contracts with clubs outside the WSL from this month. Macario is the player most likely to leave amid interest from NWSL side Bay FC, with the United States international having found game time limited under Sonia Bompastor this season.
Arsenal Face Major Contract Decisions
Arsenal also have several top players requiring action including Emily Fox, Katie McCabe, Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius and Beth Mead. Mead could be on the move after being linked with London City Lionesses last summer, though the Gunners will be desperate to retain the Euro 2025 winner.
Manchester City face losing WSL leading goalscorer Bunny Shaw on a free transfer this summer. Leila Ouahabi and Laura Coombs are also both out of contract at the Joie Stadium. Manchester United will be keen to exercise the option on Ella Toone’s deal after the midfielder was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours List.
European Stars Available
England midfielder Georgia Stanway is attracting interest from clubs including Arsenal with her Bayern Munich contract expiring. Barcelona face uncertainty over several stars including Alexia Putellas, Mapi Leon, Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen.
Caroline Weir is on an expiring contract at Real Madrid while former England number one Mary Earps could leave Paris Saint Germain. Trinity Rodman’s Washington Spirit contract expires with WSL champions Chelsea among clubs interested in the United States forward.
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