“The game means a lot because of how good Chelsea have been, especially the record at Stamford Bridge, against Spurs,” Daniel Childs, host of the Son Of Chelsea podcast, said.
“The fans demand that record is maintained no matter what the state the team are in.”
Spurs had more trophies than Chelsea until Abramovich bought the club in 2003 and began an era that took them into a different financial stratosphere. Chelsea also had a 16-year unbeaten run against Tottenham in the league between 1990 and 2006.
Spurs won when the teams met in the 2008 League Cup final – but seven years later, it was Chelsea who triumphed in the Wembley showpiece.
Still, Spurs won the 2008 League Cup final against Chelsea but then then next 2015 League Cup final meeting.
Most memorably of all in recent times was the infamous ‘Battle of the Bridge’ in 2016.
For Chelsea fans, it was a night that defined the rivalry. In a season where they finished 10th, this was a highlight. They came from two goals down to draw 2-2 through a sensational Eden Hazard goal, ending Spurs’ title hopes, allowing Leicester City to be crowned champions for the first time.
“We will remember Eden Hazard’s goal in the Battle of the Bridge for a very long time,” Childs added.
“In all my years seeing us win cup finals and leagues… I have never seen or heard a reaction like that simply because it was stopping Spurs win the league. These games are always the best atmospheres of the season.”
It was a tempestuous match with Spurs receiving a then-record nine yellow cards. Midfielder Mousa Dembele was subsequently given a six-match ban for an eye-gouge on Chelsea striker Diego Costa. Interim manager Guus Hiddink was also knocked over as players from both sides clashed after the match.
Chelsea supporter and YouTuber Louis Beneventi said: “Chelsea fans have different teams they dislike the most, but for me it is Tottenham.
“My first cup final was in 2008, when we lost, and that fuelled the fire, along with the Battle of the Bridge in 2016. Luckily, we have been able to win far more trophies than our rivals.
“All Chelsea fans like to laugh at Tottenham, call their ground ‘Three Point Lane’, and it is a match we always relish. We want results to go our way and have them right on the edge of going down on the final day of the season.
“At the minute, there is discontent in the Chelsea fanbase, but this game will bring everyone together. Piling misery on Spurs will be a unifier.”