Chelsea v Tottenham Tip

Spurs ended a 23-year wait for victory at Old Trafford in September and it’s now been 23 years since the Lilywhites last took three points at Stamford Bridge. Could another hoodoo be about to end?

AVB, on his first return to Chelsea, can take heart from the fact that his new team have beaten not only United, but also Man City and Arsenal in the league this season.

The visitors are a best price of 10/3 (Bet365) to claim a famous victory on Wednesday night. It could happen, especially if Gareth Bale continues his mesmeric form, but at longer odds I would favour Tottenham to lead at the break at a market-leading price of 15/4 (Totesport)

The reasons for this are that Tottenham are better at getting their noses in front against the big boys than they are at seeing out victories. Yes they have won three of their seven clashes with the top-four in 2012-13, but they led at some point in six of those seven showdowns.

We won backing Spurs to lead at half-time at the Etihad back in November in a match City eventually won 2-1. Tottenham were also 2-1 up against Chelsea in the reverse fixture after 54 minutes; they eventually lost 2-4.

Who knows if the visitors will hold their nerve better this evening, but we could be celebrating after 45 minutes regardless.