The Premier League’s game of the weekend takes place at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea welcome Tottenham for what is usually a fiercely contested London derby.
Chelsea’s home record against their rivals and their current form suggest the Blues have reason to be confident, but will they give their supporters something to celebrate by Saturday evening?
Injury concerns have made predicting Chelsea’s starting XI particularly difficult, while my attempts to play Xabi Alonso and predict the team selection have not exactly gone to plan, with none of my previous predictions proving correct.
Predicted XI
GK - Mike Penders
Magic Mike is his new nickname if he keeps a clean sheet tomorrow, you heard it here first. Thrusted into the starting XI for injured Emi Martinez.
CB - Josh Acheampong
He has impressed since the international break and will be keen to maintain that form as he looks to secure the new contract Chelsea fans are desperate to see him sign.
CB - Maxence Lacroix
The Frenchman is the key man in defence and currently undroppable for Xabi Alonso.
CB - Levi Colwill
He will be crucial in this derby and, as a Chelsea boy, knows exactly what it means to take all three points against Tottenham. He will need to reproduce the kind of performance he delivered in the derby against Everton if Chelsea are to come out on top.
RWB - Pedro Neto
His brace in the last game should have secured his place in the starting XI for the next few gameweeks, but he will be eager to build on that performance and add to his goal and assist tally.
CM - Moises Caicedo
The Ecuadorian midfielder has made a huge difference since returning, restoring balance and stability to Chelsea’s midfield. Having already discussed his impact, there is little doubt that he should be the first name on the teamsheet.
CM - Jordan Henderson
He was excellent against Bournemouth but underwhelmed at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Despite that dip, he remains the favourite to keep his place.
The England international will be keen to get consistent, although a return to Anfield in midweek could be on the club’s mind, potentially opening the door for Romeo Lavia to step in.
LWB - Jorrel Hato
He has endured a difficult start to the season but impressed in the game against Everton. With Pep Chavarría unavailable for this fixture, the decision comes down to him and Marco Palestra, who may not yet be ready to step in.
AM - Cole Palmer
He will be desperate to deliver against Chelsea, and a match-winning performance against their rivals would only further cement his status as a hero among the Matthew Harding Stand faithful.
AM - Morgan Rogers
He could prove crucial to Chelsea’s chances of securing all three points, with the attacking midfielder well placed to exploit Tottenham’s vulnerable right flank. Even if Pedro Porro returns, that side remains a potential weakness for Spurs that Chelsea will be keen to target.
ST - Joao Pedro
Despite a disappointing performance in the last game, he boasts an impressive record against Tottenham, with three goals in three appearances, making him a key player to watch tomorrow. He will be eager to add to his tally for the season against a Spurs defence that has looked shaky at times.
Add us as a preferred source on Google