FBL-ENG-PR-TOTTENHAM-CHELSEA
No home comforts: Chelsea have won more away games at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium than any other team in the Premier League
Tottenham and Chelsea collide in a huge London derby showdown in the Premier League this evening. Spurs head into Saturday’s clash with old rivals eager to bounce back from a dispiriting midweek Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Newcastle which saw them quickly lose the momentum gained from a rousing win at Everton, having laboured badly against the likes of Aston Villa and Monaco.
Thomas Frank has Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert all back fit for this game in a key boost as Tottenham seek to improve upon a dismal record against Chelsea that has seen them win only one of the last 13 league meetings and lose five of six at home. The Blues make the short trip to the north of the capital having held off a spirited Wolves fightback in a seven-goal thriller to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals despite their woeful disciplinary record continuing with Liam Delap’s late dismissal.
However, Enzo Maresca’s side have lost three of their last five top-flight matches having been stunned by a dramatic late winner from high-flying Sunderland last weekend. Follow Spurs vs Chelsea live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport’s Matt Verri and Sam Tabuteau at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Chelsea team news: Caicedo, Fernandez and Joao Pedro available
Chelsea were also able to give some players some much-needed rest midweek, with Joao Pedro not involved in their Carabao Cup victory over Wolves. He could feature from the off in N17, and could be forced to play as a striker following Liam Delap’s suspension.
Keystone midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo are both thought to be carrying knocks, but Maresca has confirmed both are fit to start after receiving some midweek rest.
Otherwise Maresca largely has a clean bill of health, with Cole Palmer still several weeks away from returning and Levi Colwill ruled out for the season.
Tottenham team news: Romero, Udogie and Odobert back fit
A new manager, a new season, but the same old injury problems for Spurs, who are very likely to be without 10 first-team players for the visit of Chelsea, following Archie Gray’s calf injury. There are also doubts over Guglielmo Vicario’s fitness and an issue for Wilson Odobert.
In a huge boost for Saturday’s hosts, Cristian Romero has been passed fit for the match.
Destiny Udogie will also return for the match, as will Guglielmo Vicario and Wilson Odobert.
Micky van de Ven was given the night off as Spurs exited the Carabao Cup and should return to the fold, while Mohamed Kudus - another mainstay under Frank - was only introduced in the second half and was lucky to avoid injury after a reckless tackle from Joelinton.
How to watch Tottenham vs Chelsea
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting at 5pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Sky Go app and website.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert analysis from Matt Verri and Sam Tabuteau at the ground.
Good afternoon
Hello, and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Tottenham vs Chelsea in the Premier League!
It is a gorgeous afternoon for a derby in north London. Guy Fawkes night is not far away, and you can be sure this match will bring some early fireworks.
Follow along right here for team news as soon as it drops, plus expert insight and analysis from our very own Matt Verri and Sam Tabuteau at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Kick-off is at 5.30pm.