Retour
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur renew their rivalry at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening in a London derby that arrives with both clubs buoyed by important victories in their most recent Premier League outings.
The Blues have climbed into the top four after back-to-back wins, while Spurs finally got their season up and running by securing their first league victory of the campaign.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 3/4
Bookmaker: 22bet
Chelsea appear to have found momentum after a brief stumble earlier in the season.
Xabi Alonso’s side have taken seven points from their last three league matches and enter the weekend on the back of consecutive victories over Bournemouth and Everton. Their most recent success was particularly encouraging, as a 2-0 win at Goodison Park ended a long run without a Premier League clean sheet.
The attacking trio of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer has been central to Chelsea’s resurgence. Joao Pedro continues to provide goals, Rogers has adapted impressively following his summer arrival, and Palmer remains one of the division’s most influential creative players.
Only a handful of teams have scored more goals than Chelsea this season, underlining the attacking strength available to Alonso.
The hosts also boast an exceptional recent record against Tottenham. Chelsea have won each of the last six league meetings between the clubs and are on the verge of setting a new club record for consecutive Premier League victories in this fixture.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is unavailable following surgery on a fractured jaw, opening the door for highly-rated youngster Mike Penders to make history as Chelsea’s youngest-ever Premier League goalkeeper.
Reece James, Jamie Gittens, Pep Chavarria and Emmanuel Emegha also remain sidelined, while Malo Gusto is a doubt.
Tottenham finally ended their frustrating wait for a first league win of the season with a deserved 3-1 victory over Coventry City.
Goals from James Maddison, Omar Marmoush and Ben Davies secured a much-needed result for Roberto De Zerbi, who had endured a difficult start to life in North London.
Perhaps most importantly, Spurs scored three goals in a Premier League match for the first time in an extended period, offering hope that their attacking problems may finally be easing.
The challenge now is building on that breakthrough result.
History suggests Stamford Bridge is one of the worst places for Spurs to attempt exactly that. Tottenham have won only once at Chelsea in the Premier League era and have collected just two points from their last eight league visits.
Their recent record in London derbies is equally concerning, with six consecutive defeats in such fixtures.
Rodrigo Bentancur remains suspended, while Mykhaylo Mudryk, Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Lucas Bergvall and Savio are all unavailable.
There are also doubts surrounding Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Omar Marmoush, Tosin Adarabioyo and Andrew Robertson, although some could recover in time.
One positive is the return of Dejan Kulusevski after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, while former Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is pushing for a starting role.
Tottenham’s victory over Coventry should give De Zerbi’s side confidence, but a trip to Stamford Bridge represents a significant step up in difficulty.
Chelsea appear to have regained their rhythm in recent weeks and possess greater attacking quality across the pitch. Their outstanding recent record against Spurs, combined with home advantage, makes them strong favourites to continue their climb up the table.
Tottenham are capable of making the match competitive, especially if Maddison and Marmoush can build on their recent performances, but Chelsea’s superior firepower should prove decisive in another entertaining London derby.