According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Chelsea are set to make a number of changes to their starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League London derby against Tottenham Hotspur, with Mike Penders set to start in goal in place of Emi Martinez who suffered a serious injury.

Penders is expected to keep his place following his Premier League debut on the weekend as substitute against Everton as a replacement for Martinez who suffered a serious collision to the head and required surgery on his jaw to complete recovery.

Chelsea are expected to stick with their three-man defensive system as Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill are likely to form the back three at Stamford Bridge. Acheampong could start following Wesley Fofana’s omission from the starting XI for the last two matches of the Blues.

In the midfield, Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson will continue their partnership as they both played a key role for the Blues in their last two league wins by a combined score of 7-1.

Pedro Neto could return on the right-wing after scoring twice against Everton, and Palestra and Pep Chavarria have been named on the opposite flank, however, the latter is a doubt to face the Toffees after suffering a light injury during training prior to the Everton game.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are expected to play behind Joao Pedro in attack. Rogers, who joined the Blues in a £117 million transfer during the Summer, could keep his place alongside Palmer as the latter continues to find the net for the Blues in recent weeks.

Captain Reece James will remain sidelined following knee surgery and is not expected to return before January, while Jamie Gittens has also been ruled out with an ankle injury sustained while on England U21 duty.

Emmanuel Emegha is also a concern for Blues boss Enzo Maresca after suffering a setback during training, and his availability for the Tottenham clash remains in doubt. Malo Gusto also missed the Everton clash with illness, and his fitness could impact Alonso’s selection.

Chelsea possible starting XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Joao Pedro.

Doubts: Pep Chavarria, Emmanuel Emegha.

Injured: Reece James, Emi Martinez, Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea will host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm BST.