Chelsea will look to notch their third victory over Tottenham Hotspur this month when they welcome their London rivals to Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
The Blues beat Tottenham in both legs of their EFL Cup semifinal tie to book a showdown with Liverpool in the final.
Thomas Tuchel’s side, however, have lacked consistency in the Premier League. They have won just one of their last seven games in the Premier League to all but drop out of the title race.
But they will be buoyed by the fact that they are unbeaten in their last 12 matches against Tottenham in all competitions. In the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Chelsea ran riot, with goals from Thiago Silva, N’Golo Kante and Antonio Rudiger earning a 3-0 win.
Chelsea Team News
Thomas Tuchel has no fresh injury concerns following their draw at Brighton. Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah have returned to training but will not be available for this game, while Ben Chilwell continues to remain sidelined due to injury.
Edouard Mendy is on international duty with Senegal, while Andreas Christensen is still battling COVID-19.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Tottenham Hotspur (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
With Edouard Mendy unavailable, Kepa Arrizabalaga will continue in the Chelsea goal. The Spaniard has impressed during Mendy’s absence and could push the Senegal international for a regular starting berth once he returns from the AFCON.
Defenders
Thomas Tuchel employed a back-four against Tottenham in the EFL Cup, but he is likely to revert to his preferred three-man defense for this game. He does not have too many options at his disposal, which means Malang Sarr could slot in at center-back, alongside the experienced Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger.
With Ben Chilwell out for the season, Marcos Alonso is the first-choice left wing-back. The Spaniard is not the greatest of defenders, but is a huge threat going forward.
Cesar Azpilicueta will keep his spot on the right.
Midfielders
Mateo Kovacic was benched for the game against Brighton and he could return to the side in place of Jorginho, who has failed to replicate last season’s form.
N’Golo Kante is Chelsea’s best midfielder when fit and the first name on the teamsheet. The Frenchman will be tasked with breaking up Tottenham’s attacks and moving Chelsea forward in transitions.
Attackers
Romelu Lukaku will lead the line for the Blues once again. The Belgian has failed to find the net in his last three games in all competitions, but is always a threat with his pace and physicality.
Hakim Ziyech should retain his spot in attack after scoring against Brighton. Mason Mount will complete the Chelsea lineup. The England international, who is Chelsea’s top-scorer this season with seven goals, will have an important role to play with his movement and link-up play.
