Three key fixtures that could define Chelsea’s season between now and the New Year

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Chelsea vs Tottenham (26/11/16)

This is always a hotly contested match and it is important that Chelsea come out on top later this month. Tottenham are currently unbeaten, but too many draws have left them outside of the top four. If Chelsea manage to get the three points, they will consolidate their own position, while providing serious damage to a rival’s own top four hopes. It will also be fascinating to see how the two manager’s set up, as Conte’s 3-4-3 formation has been incredible. Mauricio Pochettino is known for his own tactical knowledge and he could have plans to counter Chelsea’s style.

In recent years, Chelsea have had the better of the fixture, with Tottenham only managing one Premier League win since 2010. That came in one of the most entertaining matches of recent years as Spurs won 5-3. There is unlikely to be as many goals in this meeting, but it should be entertaining nevertheless. The two clubs don’t have a great relationship as was obvious in the last meeting between the two at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea managed to come back from 0-2 down to get a point, which famously ended their rivals’ title challenge. There were many unsavoury incidents on that night and there could be similar disciplinary issues at the end of the month.