The predicted Chelsea line-up for this evening's London derby showdown between the Blues and Tottenham with Xabi Alonso facing some tough decisions
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson has been in excellent form for Chelsea(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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Xabi Alonso will have his first proper taste of the Chelsea-Tottenham rivalry this evening with the Blues welcoming Spurs to Stamford Bridge.
While Alonso took charge of Chelsea against Tottenham during the club's pre-season tour of Sydney, nothing compares to the real thing. Alonso is expecting a noisy Stamford Bridge when the two teams walk out just before 5:30pm (UK time) as he looks to guide the Blues to their third consecutive Premier League victory.
As for Spurs, Roberto De Zerbi is looking to build some sort of momentum after their first win of the campaign on Monday evening against Coventry City.
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Chelsea, though, go into this evening's derby as overwhelming favourites with the two teams having contrasting starts to their seasons. With that being said, football.london has predicted the line-up Alonso believes will do the job against Tottenham on matchday eight of the 2026/27 campaign.
Mike Penders
Emiliano Martinez is set to miss the next month or so after fracturing his jaw in last weekend's 2-0 win at Everton. The Argentine underwent surgery on the problem over the weekend, meaning Penders, who replaced the No.1 goalkeeper at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, is set for a spell in the team.
Mike Penders
Mike Penders made his Premier League debut in the win over Everton last weekend(Image: Alex Livesey)
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Josh Acheampong
Acheampong has been excellent in recent appearances for the Blues. The Cobham graduate has quickly replaced Wesley Fofana as Alonso's first-choice option on the right-hand side of a back three, or so it seems.
Maxence Lacroix
Alonso spoke glowingly about Lacroix during Friday afternoon's press conference and how the defender has settled in at Stamford Bridge. Lacroix is expected to - once again - slot in the middle of a back three for Chelsea today.
Levi Colwill
Colwill will be pleased with his contribution to help Chelsea keep a much-needed, long-awaited clean sheet last weekend. The England international will be hoping to build on that against Tottenham - a rivalry he knows all about due to his 15-year association with the Blues.
Pedro Neto
The match winner on Merseyside last time out, Neto will be hoping for something similar at the Bridge this evening. Interestingly, Tottenham were one of the several clubs linked with a move for the Portugal international during the summer transfer window before he ended up staying at Chelsea.
Pedro Neto
Pedro Neto scored twice for Chelsea in their win over Everton(Image: Peter Powell/AFP)
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Jordan Henderson
It will be interesting to see how long his run in midfield lasts but it seems highly unlikely that Alonso will drop Henderson today. The 36-year-old has been practically faultless over the last three games - where he has played every single minute - and is set to start in the centre again against Tottenham.
Moises Caicedo
It comes as little to no surprise that Chelsea have looked a much better proposition since Caicedo returned from injury. The Ecuadorian has been exceptional since coming back into the side and he will be looking to get the better of Spurs' big-money midfield later on this evening.
Marco Palestra
Even though Jorrel Hato was excellent last weekend, Alonso might look to give the energetic Palestra his full Premier League debut. Palestra has been waiting patiently for the nod and tonight could be his night. Pep Chavarria remains sidelined with what has been described as a small injury.
Cole Palmer
Palmer will be looking to continue his fine form at Stamford Bridge this evening. At Chelsea's home, the 24-year-old has either scored or assisted in all three games in the league so far this term.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer in action for Chelsea away at Everton(Image: Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto)
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Morgan Rogers
Likewise, Rogers has been electric in SW6 this season. One of the, if not the signing of the summer at the time of writing - although we're still very early on in the season. Rogers will be hoping for another big moment tonight.
Joao Pedro
To complete the front three: Joao Pedro. Only Erling Haaland (eight) has scored more than Chelsea's Brazilian striker (five) in the league so far this term.
Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-3): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro