Introduction
On Sunday, a London derby goes down between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Coming off contrasting performances in midweek, this could be all drama, goals, and excitement as both teams collide in this crucial Premier League tie. Here’s a deeper look at what to expect with some predictions, injury updates, and possible lineups.
Match Preview
Tottenham’s Struggles
The previous Wednesday saw a disappointing defeat for Tottenham as they lost 1-0 to Bournemouth. In reality, Spurs were very lucky to get away with just a one-goal defeat, with Bournemouth being wasteful in front of goal. Injuries and suspensions have ravaged Ange Postecoglou’s squad, leaving Spurs struggling for consistency.
Currently 10th in the league table, Spurs have won just one of their last six matches across all competitions. Their recent 4-0 upset of Manchester City hinted at potential, but inconsistency-most notably in London derbies-remains a cause for concern. Tottenham has only won four of their last 13 Premier League matches against capital rivals, losing seven.
Chelsea’s Momentum
Chelsea, on the other hand, is coming into the match with the best possible form after destroying Southampton 5-1. Their attacking depth was highlighted through goals by Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho. The result saw the Blues move into second in the league, seven points from leaders Liverpool.
Chelsea have now won four straight games in all competitions, including three consecutive away wins. The Blues’ excellent record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with five wins in their last seven visits, will also give them confidence. They will look to exploit Spurs’ injury problems to earn another important victory.
Team News
Tottenham
Injuries mount for Tottenham, and their injury crisis deepened midweek with Ben Davies picking up a hamstring injury that will likely see him out for a while. Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur are also out, with Cristian Romero’s return from a toe injury uncertain. It leaves the defensive duties to youngsters such as Archie Gray alongside Radu Dragusin.
Other absentees are Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Richarlison (hamstring), Mikey Moore (illness), and Wilson Odobert (hamstring). Despite these setbacks, manager Postecoglou should recall captain Son Heung-min to the lineup as a starter after resting him midweek.
Possible Starting XI:
Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bissouma, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Chelsea
Chelsea have fewer injury headaches, with only Wesley Fofana and Reece James ruled out with hamstring issues. Omari Kellyman and Mykhaylo Mudryk are also ruled out, but their presence would not have been seen as crucial to the main structure of the starting line-up.
Enzo Maresca is expected to shuffle the deck, with Pedro Neto, Nicolas Jackson, and Jadon Sancho set to play from the first minute. Levi Colwill and Robert Sanchez will also be sent back into the starting side.
Possible Starting XI:
Sanchez; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Sancho, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Prediction
Chelsea’s attacking firepower and Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities make for a routine win for the Blues. Spurs’ injury-ravaged backline is unlikely to cope with Chelsea’s attack, while the form of the visitors makes them clear favorites.
Final Score Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-3 Chelsea
