Sunday 1 March 2015 16:46, UK
Sky Sports' Glenn Hoddle gives his views on Sunday's Capital One Cup final between Tottenham and Chelsea at Wembley.
The former England manager, who played for both clubs throughout his career and managed Spurs between 2001 and 2003, talks Jose Mourinho's cup final prowess, Tottenham's chances and the loss of Nemanja Matic.
Which Tottenham players will hurt Chelsea?
HODDLE: Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane are obviously the two. Eriksen has come up with some important goals and Kane is on fine form, but can he peak in a cup final? That’s what every Spurs fan wants. I don’t think there’s pressure on him, he just goes out and does his stuff. He’s young and hasn’t put any pressure on himself.
How will the incidents in the Burnley game at the weekend impact Chelsea?
HODDLE: Cup finals are not won a week before by a manager going on TV. Cup finals are won by players going the extra mile, implementing what the manager wants them to do on the day by playing as close to their natural game as possible. If Spurs do that they’ve got a hell of a chance. That’s the key to winning a cup final. In terms of the refereeing, I don’t think the events of the Burnley game have done Anthony Taylor and his team any favours.
What effect will a Spurs defeat have on the rest of their season and the quest for the top four?
HODDLE: A defeat on Sunday would be a massive blow for them after the Fiorentina loss. One defeat could carry onto the next. The pressure has built because they have gone out of the Europa League and don't have that to fall back on. That result has got to have an impact on Sunday - both in the physical side of having to travel and mentally after losing.
Will Chelsea have the 5-3 defeat at White Hart Lane in January on their minds?
HODDLE: I don’t think that result will have an impact on Chelsea, but will on Spurs. It will give them that belief they can beat Chelsea in a one-off game. I think Spurs players all have to play at eight or nine out of 10, whereas Chelsea have proved this season they can play in a lower gear and still win. Some players play at eight or nine out of 10, others play at six or seven and they still win with ease. Spurs have got to really perform to win.
Nemanja Matic is suspended for Chelsea… will that have a big impact?
If it’s going to be a Spurs win, I get the feeling it has to be in 90 minutes
HODDLE: With Moussa Dembele and Christian Eriksen floating around in that position, it will be difficult for Chelsea to cope without Matic. He’s a massive, massive player. I’ve said before, if Matic or that type of player played for Arsenal, they’d have a far better chance of winning the title. Dembele needs to be mentioned here, it’s not all about Eriksen. Dembele has been pushed forward, something I’ve been wanting for years since I first saw him, because he started too deep but can fly past people very easily. Chelsea have a big and strong enough squad to adjust, whether he plays Cesc Fabregas deeper or brings Jon Obi Mikel in there, they’ve got options.
Mourinho has won nine of his 11 cup finals as a manager, how does he do it?
HODDLE: He wants to win every game, and he’s always had good squads to work with. He said in the week: “It doesn’t matter what final you’re in, if it’s a five-a-side final in training or in pre-season, they’re about winning.” That’s what he instils into his team. But in the Spurs camp they’ll have the same feeling; they want silverware and it’s their only chance this year.
And your predictions?
HODDLE: It’s a tough one, a close, close call. If it’s going to be a Spurs win I get the feeling it has to be in 90 minutes. Chelsea have the power off the bench, and everyone sees them as favourites, but I see it being closer than that.
Coverage of the Capital One Cup final starts at 2.30pm on Sky Sports 1HD on Sunday.
