Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
With London bragging rights up for grabs on Saturday evening, Tottenham will host Chelsea for what could be a fiery Premier League showdown.
Tottenham
Starting with the hosts, while Tottenham might have put in a rampant performance away at Everton last weekend as they stormed their way to a 3-0 victory on Merseyside, Spurs came crashing back down to earth on Wednesday night. Watching their EFL Cup adventure come to an end as they slumped to a 2-0 loss against Newcastle, Thomas Frank’s men are seeking some recent stability. Marking their return from October’s international break with a 2-1 defeat at home against Aston Villa, Tottenham have recorded just a single win from any of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Despite opening this weekend’s fixtures sat in bronze medal position, the former Brentford boss has not seen his squad register consecutive wins since the middle of September.
Tottenham Team News
Yet to make a single appearance this season, England international James Maddison remains on the sidelines with a long-term knee injury. Dealing with what has become a staked injury list, Tottenham will also be without the likes of Dominic Solanke, Destiny Udogie, Yves Bissouma, Dujan Kulusevski and skipper Cristian Romero.
Handed a full EFL Cup rest away at St. James’ Park in midweek, defensive talisman Micky van de Ven will be handed a full recall. Despite still waiting to open his Tottenham account, PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani should lead the line in north London.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, suffering a major collapse at Stamford Bridge last weekend as they eventually fell to a 2-1 loss at the hands of Premier League newcomers Sunderland, Chelsea knew the importance of claiming an immediate EFL Cup response in midweek. Eventually extending on their adventure thanks to a thrilling 4-3 victory away at Wolves, Enzo Maresca’s side have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Marking their return from October’s fortnight interval with a 3-0 win against Nottingham Forest, the Blues have also found a real clinical edge in the final third. Including a dominant 5-1 romp against Dutch giants Ajax on October 22nd, Chelsea have also bagged 17 Premier League goals so far this season and no top-flight club has recorded more strikes.
Chelsea Team News
Not featuring since September 20th and still dealing with an extended groin issue, Chelsea will once again be without attacking talisman Cole Palmer here. Likewise, undergoing knee surgery over the summer, former Brighton defender Levi Colwill remains on the sidelines.
While summer recruit Liam Delap might have been shown a late EFL Cup red card against Wolves earlier in the week, the ex-Ipswich striker is free to feature here. All handed a full rest in midweek, the likes of Robert Sanchez, Joao Pedro and skipper Reece James should be handed full recalls in north London.
Tottenham vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
Chelsea have won all of their last four consecutive meetings against Tottenham by an aggregate score of 11-4.
Spurs have mustered just a sole win from any of their last four matchups across all fronts.
Chelsea have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
Both recording 17 Premier League goals this season, Tottenham and Chelsea hold the best-attacking returns among England’s elite.
All of Chelsea’s first seven matchups away from Stamford Bridge have finished with over 2.5 goals.
Conclusion
Two camps who hold the best-attacking returns among England’s elite, neutrals will be hoping for a Premier League thriller from north London this weekend. Watching Chelsea eventually extend on their EFL Cup adventure earlier in the week following an action-packed 4-3 victory away at Wolves, the Blues have gained a reputation for their lively outcomes. With Maresca’s camp seeing all of their first seven matchups outside of west London finish with over 2.5 goals, we could be treated to another enjoyable contest here.
Verdict: Goal to be scored in both halves
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Luckster
