Thursday night sees Chelsea host Tottenham in a London derby both teams will be aching to win as they seek to drag themselves out of respective ruts.
Spurs have a poor record at Stamford Bridge, having only won once in West London during the Premier League era. That came in 2018 when Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli helped them secure a 3-1 win.
Most recently too, Chelsea have had much the better over their rivals, winning all three encounters during Ange Postecoglou's tenure, including a 4-3 win at the tail end of 2024.
The Blues have had a tricky time after the turn of the year, losing five and drawing two from eleven league outings as well as being knocked out of the FA Cup.
The Lilywhites, however, have had an even more torrid run of form. They have only won four Premier League games since they last played Chelsea on December 8th. They are currently 14th in the table - some ten places and fifteen points behind Enzo Maresca's side.
Both could still end the season with silverware despite their domestic cup exits. Chelsea are firm favourites to lift the Conference League, while Tottenham are vying for the Europa League.
With the business end of their European endeavours nearing ever closer, a win here would be the ideal way to kickstart a good end to the 2024/25 campaign.
Chelsea
There is a triple header of positive updates regarding Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson, with all three back from injury.
"Cole is back, he's okay. He's better. Noni is better. Nico is better. They are all good."
Romeo Lavia is a doubt with a "small problem". Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman and Mykhailo Mudryk remain absent.
Tottenham
Although boosted by the returns of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in recent weeks, Postecoglou still has some fitness issues to contend with.
Kevin Danso and Dejan Kulusevski remain sidelined. "Kevin and Deki are working hard still," Postecoglou said. "They’re probably a couple of weeks away, but both are progressing well."
Richarlison will likely miss the trip across the capital, but could feature in the weekend's match against Southampton. Lucas Bergvall is also set to return after a short illness. Radu Dragusin remains unavailable.
Likely Lineups
Chelsea
Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo, Madueke, Palmer, Neto, Jackson
Tottenham
Vicario; Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son
Key Players
Chelsea - Cole Palmer
After picking up an injury prior to the defeat to Arsenal, Palmer has had the full international break to rest. Something which the 22-year-old may not have wanted but perhaps needed, given a dip in form that has seen him not score in his previous seven Premier League games.
Facing an inconsistent Spurs may well be the perfect remedy too as the Englishman has hit three goals and teed up three others in three outings against the North Londoners.
Although all six goal involvements have come away from home, a raring-to-go Palmer is perhaps the last thing the Tottenham defence will want to take on.
Tottenham - Micky van de Ven
In the white corner sits van de Ven, who himself is seeking a return to regular first team action. The Dutchman has only featured in ten Premier League matches this season after recurrent injury problems.
Having been previously thrown into proceedings, Postecoglou has opted for a staggered return this time round with reduced minutes against AZ Alkmaar and Bournemouth and a place on the bench in the loss to Fulham. Though, like Palmer, he has had almost three weeks of rest.
If the Lilywhites are to squeeze any success from the damp squib of this current season, van de Ven will have been fit and firing. His physicality and pace when catching attackers in behind have been sorely missed by Tottenham's backline.
Chelsea have not been the rosiest of opponents for the 23-year-old, but his presence alone usually gives Spurs a lift.
Match Details
Where is the game being played?
Stamford Bridge, London.
What time is kick-off?
20:00 BST.
How can I watch it?
The game will be broadcast on Sky Sports, with coverage beginning at 19:00.