The magic number is one. Thanks to West Ham’s loss at Newcastle yesterday, Spurs need just a single point in their last two matches (or for West Ham to drop points again) in order to clinch survival and ensure their participation in the Premier League next season.
That point could come as soon as tomorrow as Spurs head downcity to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea on Tuesday. That Stamford Bridge has been a house of horrors for Spurs should go without saying — Spurs have only one victory against Chelsea in their
last 13 meetings, and have won just twice at Stamford Bridge since 1990, which predates the Premier League. Points should absolutely NOT be taken for granted. But still… the magic number is one, and Chelsea is coming off of a heartbreaking loss in the FA Cup final just three days ago.
Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi gave his pre-match press conference this morning ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Chelsea, and there are some minor injury updates — specifically, Spurs’ #1 keeper Guglielmo Vicario has returned to training following surgery a few weeks ago that ruled him out for a few weeks, and is available for selection. The same cannot be said for Dominic Solanke; the striker is still recovering after being injured vs. Wolves a few weeks ago and is not ready to return tomorrow.
When asked, De Zerbi said he would decide tomorrow whether Vicario or Antonin Kinsky, who has deputized very well in Googly Elmo’s absence, would be between the sticks.
“No, it is not [a] difficult [decision on who to choose]. It is easy. Vicario is number one, but we have to consider the physical condition, the momentum and everything. I have a big relationship with Kinsky and Vicario as well, and there will be no problem.
“Solanke is not good yet. Not available. He feels something, and I don’t want to take the risk for this game. We hope for Sunday, he can be available for one part of the game.”
That means that Richarlison, widely tipped to leave the club this summer, will be once again at the tip of the spear in what feels like the most important match against Chelsea in a very long time. It will be interesting to see whether De Zerbi decides to go with Vicario, or if he holds serve with Kinsky, who has fully overcome his disastrous match at the Wanda against Atletico Madrid and has put in some excellent performances of late.
De Zerbi also gave an update on James Maddison, who while obviously not match fit will still be available tomorrow as an impact substitute.
“At the beginning of this week, [Maddison] didn’t work for a small problem. But yesterday and today, James is working very well. He’s a special player, he’s a different player. Now he’s not ready to play 90 minutes. I want to speak with him tomorrow morning and to take the best decision we can.”
De Zerbi went on to praise his players and say that he believes Spurs can get a result at the Bridge tomorrow.
“We have to play with confidence because in the last four games, the last five games with me, because we didn’t deserve to lose the game in Sunderland, but in the last four we made eight points. And if you analyze the performance, I think we could make more points than eight.
“And for that we have to be confident, to be positive. Anyway, we can’t forget one month ago what was the situation. We are not safe yet, it’s tough in the Premier League.
“Making one point is tough because all teams fight on the pitch, all teams are very tough to beat. But we have the quality enough and we have to show the quality with the right mentality, the right spirit. I want to see courage on the pitch, try the condition to win the game, like in the last period.”
Spurs kick off against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tomorrow at 3 pm ET / 8 pm BST.
