There were no Premier London derbies (PLDs) in the F.A. Premier League (F.A.P.L.) last weekend but 3 to preview as Christmas and New Year rapidly approach. On Sunday 22 December Spurs entertain big London rivals Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in their last PLDs match of 2019. For Jose Mourinho it will be more of “master and pupil” after last weekend’s successful visit to Molineux where fast improving Wolves are managed by his former goal-keeper at Champions’ League winning Porto Nuno Espirito Santo, when he meets up with Chelsea’s Frank Lampard, star of his good times at the Bridge. Scores in the last 3 seasons were: 2016-17 Spurs 1 v Chelsea 0; 2017-18 Spurs 1 v Chelsea 2, and 2018-19 Spurs 3 v Chelsea 1. A Tottenham win would put them level on points with Chelsea and into 4th place on goal difference. What a potential pre-Christmas cracker!
On Boxing Day Thursday 26 December still struggling West Ham are away at Selhurst Park where Crystal Palace, with 2 wins and 2 draws in their last 5 F.A.P.L. games, are now above Arsenal in the “big League” table. Scores in the last 3 seasons here were: 2018-19 Palace 1 v West Ham 1; 2017-18 Palace 2 v West Ham 2; and 2016-17 Palace 0 v West Ham 1. What odds another draw or will Santa leave the Hammers a late Christmas present?
The final PLDs match of 2019 will be at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 28 December between Arsenal and Chelsea. In the Christian year this date is the Feast of the Holy Innocents when King Herod ordered all the new-born boys in Bethlehem to be killed. Will the Arsenal be led to the slaughter by Chelsea, or will they be parading a new Manager?
Until next time enjoy your football and Happy Christmas, Andrew at PLDs.