What: Premier League, round 3
Who: Chelsea (1st – 6 points) v Tottenham Hotspur (20th – 0 points)
When: Sunday 31st August 2008 – 13:30 (local time)
Where: Stamford Bridge Stadium, London

Flying Start For Scolari

It has been an ideal start for new Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari in the Premier League so far. Two games, six points, no goals conceded and now a game against a side that are yet to get off the mark this season, as his team look to an extend a superb run of 84 home league games without defeat.

Things started superbly for Scolari with a 4-0 hammering of Portsmouth in his side’s opening game. Free-flowing football, goals and entertainment galore saw the press lavish praise on the World Cup winner. Last week’s 1-0 away victory over Wigan showed some of the qualities more recognisable with Chelsea teams, but, as has been said time and again, the ability to win ugly when you are not playing well is the key to picking up championships.

There are no noticeable weaknesses in Scolari’s Chelsea side, and new additions such as Deco and Jose Bosingwa add flair to a team now rated by the bookmakers’ as favourites to lift this season’s Premier League title. However, this will be Scolari’s first taste of a London derby and he will need to ensure there is no let up in his side’s performance against a side who can beat anybody on their day, as proved by March’s Carling Cup final victory over the Blues.

The former Brazil coach has done his research though, and will have his side fully prepared for the task in hand. Tottenham, after their poor start, represent a wounded animal – a team who could cause problems if they are given a foothold in the game. An early breakthrough could see Spurs’ wounds opened, but even if patience and a competitive battle is required, the early signs indicate that Chelsea are up to the task.

“It is important for Tottenham not to lose another game. They want their first three points in the league so we have some problems to cope with, we know this,” Scolari said in his pre-match press conference.

“Tottenham have lost both games and made some mistakes. But this is a big chance for Tottenham because it is a derby. We need to respect them even more.”

The respect will be there, but anything other than three more points would represent a disappointing afternoon for the Blues as they look to continue their flying start to the campaign.

Shocking Spurs

Although the Dimitar Berbatov saga has over-shadowed Tottenham’s summer, hopes have still been high that Spurs can have a successful season in manager Juande Ramos’ first full year in charge. Vice-captain Robbie Keane moved to Liverpool but the arrivals of the likes of Luka Modric, David Bentley, Heurelho Gomes and Giovani Dos Santos yet again prompted analysts to suggest that Spurs were the most likely side to challenge the established dominance of the Premier League’s ‘big four’.

However, it has been a shocking start for Spurs. Defeat against Middlesbrough on the opening day could have represented an unfortunate defeat in a tricky away clash, but last week’s home loss to Sunderland again highlighted the lack of a midfield general and seemingly ever-present defensive frailties – with the absence of Berbatov and Keane adding a lack of firepower up-front to Ramos’ list of problems.

Tottenham should be fine however, with a first eleven that can rival most in the Premier League and an array of talented players being led by an astute manager - they are a side capable of beating anybody on a good day. However, their inexperience and evident problems ensure that they are unlikely to launch a consistent enough league run to challenge the top four in the near future and perhaps indicate that the best avenues for immediate success lie in cup competitions.

But the league remains crucial for Tottenham and they will be desperate to get off the mark sooner, rather than later. This game in many ways represents a situation where they have nothing to lose. Nobody expects them to triumph against a powerful Chelsea side and Ramos should take the opportunity to attack, something he has hinted could happen in his pre-match comments.

“I think having a game like Chelsea at this time gives us a great chance to lift the spirits. The game plan should be to go there and play with an ambitious attacking style of football without fear,” he stated.

Spurs are dangerous opponents for Chelsea in this encounter, but even the most ardent of Tottenham fans will admit that anything they gain from Stamford Bridge tomorrow will be a bonus.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea – Deco

Deco has made an impressive start to his Chelsea career, earning a man of the match award while scoring in the 4-0 win over Portsmouth on his debut. Last week the Portuguese international enhanced his reputation further with a superb free-kick that proved decisive against Wigan at the JJB Stadium. The ex-Barcelona man will look forward to pulling the strings tomorrow with no real ball-winner to hinder him in the Spurs midfield.

Tottenham – Darren Bent

With Keane gone and Berbatov seemingly going, Darren Bent had his opportunity to announce himself as the man to lead Tottenham this season during the first two league games, following a red-hot pre-season. As yet though, the former Charlton man has failed to take his chance and with Roman Pavlyuchenko now signed for £14 million, the England international is beginning to run out of chances to prove himself to the Spurs faithful. With Juande Ramos considering playing predominantly with a lone-striker this year, Bent has to take his chance soon and this match on the big stage would be the ideal place to start.

FORM GUIDE

Chelsea

August 24 v Wigan (A) WON 1-0
August 17 v Portsmouth (H) WON 4-0

Tottenham

August 23 v Sunderland (H) LOST 2-1
August 16 v Middlesbrough (A) LOST 2-1

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Nicolas Anelka will continue to lead the line for Chelsea as Didier Drogba is still out with a knee injury. The Ivorian is reportedly scheduled to return to training in the coming weeks, but is still said to be some time away from regaining full fitness. Key midfielder Michael Essien started against Wigan last week despite nursing a minor injury and is therefore rated as 50/50 for this clash, as is Germany international Michael Ballack.

Tottenham

Dimitar Berbatov will have another crisis meeting with Spurs boss Juande Ramos ahead of the game before a decision is made on the Bulgarian’s involvement. Scotland international full-back Alan Hutton is no closer to a return having suffered a stress fracture in his foot, meaning that Didier Zokora will continue to deputise at right-back. It is as yet unclear if new £14 million signing Roman Pavlyuchenko has been registered in time to play a part.

MATCHDAY SQUADS

Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ivanovic, Alex, Belletti, Bosingwa, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, Bridge, Ballack, Essien, J Cole, Mikel, Lampard, Deco, Anelka, Malouda, Kalou.

Tottenham (from): Gomes, Cesar, Zokora, Gunter, Assou-Ekotto, Gilberto, Bale, King, Woodgate, Dawson, Modric, Jenas, Huddlestone, O’Hara, Lennon, Bentley, Dos Santos, Berbatov, Bent.

PREVIOUS STARTING LINE-UPS

Chelsea (1-0 Away V Wigan) (4-5-1/4-3-3): Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole; Essien, Ballack, Lampard, Deco, Joe Cole, Anelka.

Tottenham (1-2 Home V Sunderland) (4-5-1): Gomes, Zokora, King, Woodgate, Assou-Ekotto; Bentley, Bale, Modric, Lennon, Jenas; Bent.

PREDICTION

It is hard to see Chelsea’s incredible home record being brought to an end by Spurs tomorrow, but Juande Ramos’ side do have nothing to lose. If both sides are true to their pre-match words then there should be goals in this encounter as Chelsea look to build the early season pressure on their title rivals and the visitors attempt to pick up their first points of the season.

I expect to see an improved Tottenham side tomorrow, one that will not go down without a fight and are likely to test Chelsea’s reserves before the international break. However, the Blues are strong in all areas and should be confident of making it three wins out of three for Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham

Ref From Chris Myson, Goal.com

A last minute goal from Joe Cole rescued a draw for England against the Czech Republic at Wembley.

ENGLAND

James: 5.0 – A good save from Baros early on but had no chance with the goal because of the deflection. Went AWOL in the second half when he came racing out of his area only to be beaten by Sverkos. Must give his defenders nightmares at times.

Brown: 7.0 - Beaten a little too easily by Sirl, who then passed for Baros to open the scoring. However, he scored an excellent header to equalise, for his first England goal, and attempted to get forward whenever he could.

A Cole: 6.0 - Unfortunately for Cole, Baros’s shot cannoned off the Chelsea man for the first goal. Got forward well to provide width but usually had to turn back and stall due to lack of options in the box.

Ferdinand:  6.0 – A solid performance by Ferdinand who must have been disappointed to lose the captaincy to Terry.

Terry: 5.0 – Terry must shoulder the blame for the first goal. Was turned far too easily by Baros, and not a captain’s performance.

Beckham: 6.5 – His set pieces weren’t up to their usual standards but he did manage to find one delicious corner from which Brown equalised. Offered little else, but once again provided an assist.

Barry: 5.0 - Early booking after a foul on Plasil was possibly his most notable contribution and the Villa man certainly didn’t look worth £18 million.

Lampard: 4.0 - A poor performance and Frank was booed off by a frustrated Wembley crowd. Gave the ball away, made some poor challenges and generally struggled to get involved.

Gerrard: 6.5 - Saw plenty of the ball and was one of England’s better performers but found himself stuck out on the left, in a position he really doesn’t favour. A decent shot tested Cech in the first half but left midfield is simply not his most best position.

Defoe: 6.0 - A tough night for the Portsmouth striker.  Looked a little lonesome up front at times but worked hard to find shooting positions and forced Cech into several good saves.

Rooney: 6.0 – Looked to get involved but was too often far too deep and despite some decent distribution never looked like scoring.

Substitutions

Heskey: 6.0 - Given the second half in place of Defoe and held the ball up well but that was about it from the big man.

Woodgate: 6.0 - Replaced Ferdinand but is unlikely to oust the Manchester United man from the starting lineup.

Joe Cole: 7.0 - Unlucky not to start and England missed his flair. Looked bright when he came on and managed to poke the ball home for a late equaliser.

Downing: 6.5 - He added balance and managed to put some balls into the box which may not sound much, but just goes to show how dismal England were.

Bentley: 6.5 - Replaced Beckham late on and it was from his corner that England managed to sneak a late goal.

Jenas: n/a

CZECH REPUBLIC

Cech: 6.5 - Relatively untroubled by England’s shooting and had little chance with either goal. Occasionally shaky handling and he flapped at a corner, but then again on a wet pitch and with a greasy ball, perhaps not to be unexpected.

Jankulovski: 7.5 - Simply sublime free kick to put the Czechs 2-1 up and was almost good enough to win the game for the visitors.

Rozehnal: 7.0 - An easy night really although he made a meal of it with some poor clearances, but still England couldn’t capitalise.

Ujfalusi: 6.5 – Uncharacteristically sloppy at times A poor challenge on Gerrard, almost gave away a penalty and he was beaten by Brown for the equaliser. Still, kept what little attacking threat there was in check.

Grygera: 7.0 – Only played the first half but had a comfortable evening and it’s doubtful he even broke into a sweat.

Vlcek: 6.5 - Looked a danger on the right flank but was replaced at half time.

Kovac: 7.5 - Slipped some great short balls through the England midfield up to his front men.

Polak: 8.5 - An classy display by the man of the match. Strong shot early in the second half almost put the Czechs back in the lead and left England chasing shadows in midfield.

Plasil: 8.0 – Played some neat balls up to Baros and a great midfield display, thoroughly outplaying his opponents.

Sirl: 7.5 – A lovely run to set up the first goal. Out-foxed Brown completely before finding his man Baros in the box.

Baros: 7.0 - Tested David James early on with a good shot that the England goalkeeper did well to keep out. Scored, via a deflection, but did well to turn captain John Terry and hit the shot which opened the scoring.

Substitutions

Pospech: 6.5 - Given the second half in place of Grygera and the full back slotted in well.

Jarolim:  7.0 – Came on at half time and helped maintain the visitors’ midfield superiority.

Sverkos: 6.5 - Replaced the goalscorer Baros at half time and looked bright. Almost embarrassed England by rounding James on the touch line but rushed his shot and missed.

Kadlac: n/a – A late substitute for the Czechs

Rajnoch: n/a - A late substitute for the Czechs

Ref From Gill Clark - goal.com

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s reign as Chelsea boss started in style with an impressive win against Portsmouth.

Joe Cole slid home Michael Ballack’s pass after 12 minutes and Nicolas Anelka headed in Deco’s cross from close range in the 26th minute.

Frank Lampard added the third from the spot on the stroke of half-time after Sylvain Distin handled.

And Deco crowned a superb Chelsea debut with a swerving shot from 25 yards a minute from the end.

Scolari hopes to bring a more attractive brand of football to Stamford Bridge - and his new charges certainly delivered in their first Premier League game.

But the display should also be placed in the context of a truly wretched performance from Harry Redknapp’s side, who looked a shadow of the unit that had an impressive campaign last season.

Chelsea took only 12 minutes to score the first goal of the Scolari era, and it was perfectly fashioned as Ballack’s pass with the outside of his foot found Joe Cole, who slid a finish beyond James.

Anelka almost added a second when he was denied by James after racing clear - but it was only a temporary reprieve for Portsmouth as the striker was on target after 26 minutes.

Jose Bosingwa’s cross was retrieved by Deco, who was having an outstanding first half, and Anelka headed home with James stranded out of position.

Anelka’s pace was proving too much for Portsmouth, and he shot narrowly wide after racing clear.

Chelsea lost Ballack to injury after 37 minutes, but his replacement Florent Malouda almost had an instant impact with a driven cross that flashed across the face of goal.

Portsmouth had a half-chance when Petr Cech was forced into a block from Niko Kranjcar, the Chelsea keeper recovering to block another effort from Peter Crouch.

Portsmouth were being totally outclassed, and the scoreline was given a more realistic appearance when Chelsea took a three-goal lead in the dying seconds of the opening period.

Distin handled Joe Cole’s cross and Lampard beat James with ease form the spot.

Chelsea continued to press after the break, with both Anelka and Joe Cole only inches away from adding to Portsmouth’s misery.

Little had been seen of Portsmouth’s new strike force of Crouch and Jermain Defoe, but it finally showed glimpses of promise with 13 minutes left.

Crouch headed a long ball into Defoe’s path, but he was stretching and steered his finish wide.

Chelsea deserved a fourth goal, and it was fitting that Deco got it with two minutes to go, firing in from 25 yards via the hands of James, who should have done better.

Owner Roman Abramovich was all smiles at the final whistle as he revelled in the first impressions created by his new manager.

Ref From BBC SPORT By Phil McNulty