After losing their respective London derbies against Arsenal and Fulham before the international break, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur would clash heads this midweek in another high-profile battle between two of London’s most prestigious football clubs.
While the Blues are battling for the fourth spot in the Premier League with several other outfits, including Manchester City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa chasing a Champions League berth, Spurs are nowhere near the level they achieved last season under Ange Postecoglou. Despite injury misfortune, 14th in the standings is highly unacceptable for a club of Tottenham’s stature. They suffered a 3-4 defeat at home in the reverse fixture. However, the return of first-team stars must bolster their chances before visiting Stamford Bridge on Thursday night.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur: Talking Tactics
Enzo Maresca would have a selection dilemma with Cole Palmer available again, recovering from his brief injury layoff. Enzo Fernandez could be restored down the deep, which might see skipper Reece James feature from his usual right-back spot. The versatile Englishman offers flexibility, thus allowing the Italian boss to switch into a 3-4-3 from his usual 4-2-3-1 formation.
Postecoglou must decide whether to field James Maddison from the start. The Three Lions star is more effective as a ‘number 10′ rather than a box-to-box option, and his inclusion could lead to a tactical alteration from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1. The battle between skipper Heung-min Son and James would be feisty as the Blues’ change of shape would vastly depend on the latter’s movement from the right-hand flank.
Team News
Chelsea
Although Romeo Lavia has suffered a fresh injury setback, Maresca expects Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke to be available for selection. Young academy duo Omari Kellyman and Marc Guiu remain sidelined with hamstring injuries, and Mykhailo Mudryk, who tested positive for a banned substance, continues to be suspended since December.
Chelsea Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez; James, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Tottenham Hotspur
Radu Dragusin is ruled out for the rest of the season after rupturing his cruciate ligament. Richarlison, nursing a calf injury, is unlikely to recover in time for the Chelsea tie, and the gaffer must not risk Kevin Danso and Dejan Kulusevski as they have a crucial Europa League quarter-final encounter against Eintracht Frankfurt scheduled for next midweek. Lucas Bergvall, who missed out on playing for Sweden due to illness, is expected to be back for their trip to Stamford Bridge.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted XI (4-2-3-1)
Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Sarr; Odobert, Maddison, Son; Solanke
Key Men
Chelsea
Chelsea will hope to see Cole Palmer back among goals and assists after a run of underwhelming outings before the international break. Fit-again Nicolas Jackson must keep the Spurs defence on their toes, also, the presence of Moises Caicedo should help them dominate the duels in the centre of the pitch.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham must show composure and steadiness in the defensive third. Cristian Romero should exhibit his leadership traits, also, the ex-Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke must convert the chances while spearheading the attack. Son needs to depict his flair from the flank to cause menace in the Blues’ backline.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur: Streaming Links
| Country | Broadcaster |
| United Kingdom | Sky Sports |
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