Xabi Alonso has one mandatory change to make for Saturday evening’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur. Mike Penders is set to replace the injured Emiliano Martinez between the sticks, with the Argentinian recovering from surgery on a broken jaw.
Other than that, Alonso would be well within his rights to call upon the same starting ten that won 2-0 at Everton last weekend. Chelsea lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation at Hill Dickinson Stadium and were in control, winning the expected goals battle 1.54 to 0.45.
Penders started both of his team’s Carabao Cup encounters this season and kept a clean sheet against Luton Town. Ahead of him, the back three of Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill should all figure after ending a run of 22 top-flight games without a clean sheet.
The left wing-back role could be filled by Pep Chavarria, who dropped out of the squad for the Everton game after feeling something wrong in training. However, if the Spaniard is not up to it, then Jorrel Hato deserves to start after an energetic show against the Toffees that bagged him the assist for Neto’s first goal.
Malo Gusto missed the Everton game through illness but should be available for this encounter. He could return to the fray but is unlikely to be preferred over Pedro Neto at right wing-back, as the Portuguese put in a man-of-the-match display against Everton. After Neto’s double strike in Merseyside, it would be a huge mistake to drop the wing-back, meaning Gusto may have to be content with a bench appearance.
Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson should continue in midfield after the duo held down the middle at Everton. Ahead of Caicedo and Henderson, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers should have the task of troubling Tottenham’s rear guard, with Joao Pedro waiting to pounce. The Brazilian forward leads the Blues’ scoring charts with five league goals, while Rogers has found the net four times and registered two assists in seven meetings with Spurs.
Estevao would be a tempting alternative. However, the Brazilian has registered barely half an hour in the Premier League this term. He looks more likely to come on as a second-half substitute against a Spurs side missing some important midfielders.
Chelsea predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; Joao Pedro.
‘It’s All About the Squad’ – Xabi Alonso Praises Jorrel Hato After Late Call-Up
Xabi Alonso was full of praise for Jorrel Hato after the Dutchman was called into the starting lineup at short notice against Everton. The 20-year-old was only drafted into the starting XI after Pep Chavarria felt a problem in training on Friday.
Hato responded by putting in an energetic shift on the left flank and played a part in Pedro Neto’s first goal of the game. Speaking to reporters after the 2-0 victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium, Alonso said:
“Jorrel did really well today… it’s all about the squad. All the players feel they are important and know they will have their moment when they are needed.”
Hato joined from Ajax in 2025 for an initial £35.5m fee and has been a useful option for Alonso this campaign. With Chavarria’s fitness in doubt ahead of Saturday’s game, would the Spanish coach stick with Hato at left wing-back against Tottenham?