Away form should see Spurs struggle to stop Stamford Bridge hoodoo

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker was the last Tottenham player to score a winning goal at Stamford Bridge – in short, Spurs have never beaten Chelsea away in the Premier League era.

Tim Sherwood’s side have a poor recent record against the Blues generally. Tottenham can only boast one victory in 10 attempts in all competitions, so it’s no wonder they are 11/2 outsiders for three precious points here in the race for a top-four finish (4/1).

Three of the last five Premier League meetings at Chelsea have been draws, however. It’s 11/4 on that outcome occurring again. As the Blues have never lost a home league game under Jose Mourinho, it comes as no surprise to learn they are odds-on at 4/7 for the win.

His team top the table and are 5/4 favourites to take the title. As their main challengers Arsenal and Manchester City are in FA Cup quarter-final action (and Liverpool’s game with Sunderland has been postponed), this is an opportunity for ‘The Special One’ to open up further daylight at the top.

Chelsea star player Eden Hazard sustained an ankle injury on international duty with Belgium, but has declared himself fit to figure against Spurs. Mourinho may subsequently decide otherwise, however.

Hazard is yet to score against Tottenham from three appearances, so the Blues may take no chances and rest him. If he plays, though, punters can get 15/8 on him grabbing a goal anytime with Coral.

Another interesting subplot surrounding this fixture is Brazil’s attacking midfielder Willian. He came so close to signing for Spurs before Chelsea snapped him up from under their very noses last summer.

Willian played in both legs of a knockout UEFA Cup tie for Shakhtar Donetsk (a win and draw) against Tottenham in 2009. You can back him to score for the Blues at 7/2.

German attacker Andre Schurrle hit a hat-trick in Chelsea’s last outing at Fulham. He was the main beneficiary of Blues playmaker Hazard’s creative instincts then, and another treble here is 33/1.

If he can pick himself up after seeing Portugal put five past his Cameroon in midweek, Samuel Eto’o may be a valuable asset for Chelsea here. From his Inter Milan days, he has three goals and two assists in two meetings with Tottenham. Take odds of 9/2 on Eto’o scoring first.