Tottenham v Chelsea

The final Premier League game before Christmas is a massive one as we get a strong indication which, if either, of the London sides is best equipped to challenge Manchester’s big two for the title in the new year.

The bookies continue to offer us a baffling contradiction. Spurs - 20/1 (StanJames) to be champions - are two points ahead of their west London rivals with a game in hand, yet Chelsea are shorter than that with most firms. But Redknapp’s side are also marginal favourites for Thursday’s clash; so they are expected to win and go five points clear with a game in hand. Something doesn’t add up.

So on to the game itself, and I was all set to back the home win. But I simply can’t ignore the Tottenham team news which sounds very concerning for Harry Redknapp. He rates Gareth Bale as “very doubtful” as he has been unable to train this week. With Aaron Lennon already out, Spurs will be depleted down the flanks which is so often a key asset of theirs. The loss of pace was evident as soon as Lennon went off against against Sunderland and the hosts suddenly looked more laboured in possession.

With Ledley King, Emmanuel Adebayor and Jermain Defoe also reported to be struggling, a Chelsea side close to full strength will sense an opportunity. However, I’d be surprised if Redknapp isn’t somewhat overplaying his problems to the press to keep his opposite number guessing. Spurs will still have plenty about them one way or another and without Bale and Lennon this should be a pretty even contest. Neither team gets shut out too often so I’ll ultimately favour a score draw at a best price of 18/5 with VictorChandler.

* Spurs have now drifted in the betting with Chelsea the new marginal favoutites at a best price of 17/10 (StanJames). I think the score draw remains great value however.