According to a report by Sky Sports on Monday, October 19, 2026, Chelsea are preparing for an important Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, with manager Xabi Alonso expected to select a competitive starting eleven for the London derby.

The Blues will enter the fixture hoping to continue their impressive run of results after recording consecutive league victories against Bournemouth and Everton. With valuable points at stake, Alonso could adopt a 3-4-3 formation to strengthen his team's defensive organisation while maintaining attacking flexibility.

Chelsea will be eager to make home advantage count against their London rivals, particularly as they aim to remain competitive in the Premier League title race.

Goalkeeper

Mike Penders could retain his position in goal for Chelsea. The young goalkeeper will be expected to demonstrate composure, make important saves and communicate effectively with his defenders throughout the encounter.

Defenders

Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill could form Chelsea's three-man defensive unit.

Acheampong may operate on the right side of the defence, while Lacroix could occupy the central position. Colwill is expected to provide additional stability from the left.

The three defenders will have to remain disciplined when dealing with Tottenham's attacking movements, particularly during counterattacks and transitions.

Midfielders

Chelsea's midfield could feature Pedro Neto, Moisés Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Estevão Willian.

Neto may be deployed as a right wing-back, where his pace and attacking ability could help Chelsea create opportunities from wide positions.

Estevão could perform a similar role on the left, offering creativity and the ability to move forward whenever Chelsea regain possession.

Meanwhile, Caicedo and Henderson could operate together in central midfield. Their responsibilities would include disrupting Tottenham's attacking moves, recovering possession and distributing the ball to Chelsea's forwards.

Caicedo's defensive awareness could prove particularly important in preventing Tottenham from exploiting spaces between Chelsea's midfield and defence.

Attackers

Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers could lead Chelsea's attacking department.

Palmer is likely to be one of Chelsea's most influential players, with his technical ability, intelligent movement and eye for goal potentially creating problems for Tottenham's defenders.

Rogers could operate alongside Palmer in a supporting attacking position, using his physical strength and movement to create space.

João Pedro may lead the frontline as the central striker, with the responsibility of converting opportunities and putting pressure on Tottenham's defensive players.

Chelsea's Possible Starting XI (3-4-3)

Goalkeeper: Mike Penders.

Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill.

Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Moisés Caicedo, Jordan Henderson and Estevão Willian.

Forwards: Cole Palmer, João Pedro and Morgan Rogers.

Chelsea will be hoping that their attacking quality and midfield strength can make the difference against Tottenham.

However, Spurs are expected to provide strong opposition, making defensive concentration and effective finishing essential for the home side.

If Alonso's players reproduce the performances that helped them overcome Bournemouth and Everton, Chelsea could put themselves in a strong position to secure another important Premier League victory.

The proposed lineup remains speculative, with the final selection depending on player fitness, tactical decisions and availability before the London derby.