Tottenham Hotspur is set to host Chelsea in a highly anticipated Premier League showdown, marking Mauricio Pochettino’s return to North London.
Tottenham aims to maintain its top spot, while Chelsea seeks a resurgence after recent disappointments.
Match Preview
Tottenham’s head coach, Ange Postecoglou, is leading a dynamic squad that has performed impressively this season.
They secured a 2-1 victory against Crystal Palace, maintaining their first-place position in the Premier League.
The team has set a remarkable record, collecting 26 points from the first 10 games under Postecoglou’s management.
However, with other top teams like Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool in pursuit, Tottenham’s hold on the top spot is precarious.
Postecoglou aims to become only the third Premier League head coach to go unbeaten in his first 11 games, following Frank Clark and Maurizio Sarri.
Tottenham’s home performance has been impressive, with four victories, scoring twice in each match while conceding just two goals.
They are eager to secure a five-game winning streak in the Premier League, something they haven’t achieved since December 2018, under the leadership of Mauricio Pochettino.
Pochettino’s return to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is anticipated with excitement, as his tenure saw both highs and lows, including a memorable Champions League runner-up finish.
Chelsea, on the other hand, has had mixed results in recent encounters, including a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and a disappointing loss to Brentford.
Despite some struggles at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea has performed well on the road, earning seven points in their last three away matches.
The last meeting at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ended in a 2-0 victory for Tottenham, further adding intrigue to Pochettino’s return.
Tottenham Hotspur Premier League Form: WDW3W
Chelsea Premier League Form: DLWWDL
Chelsea Form (All Competitions): WWWDWL
Team News
Tottenham’s Postecoglou faces a potential left-back dilemma with injuries to Destiny Udogie and Ben Davies.
Udogie is progressing in his recovery, while Davies is unlikely to play. If neither is fit, Emerson Royal may fill in as a makeshift left-back.
Several players, including Ivan Perisic, Manor Solomon, Alfie Whiteman, and Ryan Sessegnon, are still recovering from injuries.
Postecoglou also has a decision to make in attack, with Brennan Johnson making an impact in the last game, setting up a goal for Son Heung-min.
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell is still recovering from a thigh injury.
Other players like Romeo Lavia, Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka are unavailable due to injuries.
Mykhaylo Mudryk may return, but Armando Broja is likely to be on the bench.
Chelsea’s head coach has urged caution over Reece James, who may not play the full 90 minutes. Axel Disasi could potentially be used at right-back.
Possible Starting Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur:
- Vicario;
- Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie;
- Sarr, Bissouma;
- Kulusevski, Maddison, Johnson;
- Son
Chelsea:
- Sanchez;
- Disasi, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill;
- Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher;
- Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Prediction
In a highly anticipated matchup, Tottenham’s strong form at home and Postecoglou’s dynamic squad could prove challenging for Chelsea.
The North London giants are expected to make the net bulge and continue their winning streak, potentially making Pochettino’s return a challenging one.
- Our prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea