Prediction: Chelsea vs Tottenham

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the second-half

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this week, Chelsea will welcome Tottenham to west London on Thursday night.

Chelsea

Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have mounted a dramatic late comeback away at Aston Villa last weekend as they snatched a 2-2 stalemate in the Midlands, it is no secret that the former Premier League champions have continued to struggle with their consistency this season. With continued speculation over Mauricio Pochettino’s future at Stamford Bridge past the summer, the Blues also have a real uphill battle on their hands in the race to secure a crucial European return. Suffering FA Cup heartbreak at Wembley on April 20th as they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City, the former Spurs boss will certainly have a major headache over his side’s glaring defensive issues. Coming under a huge amount of scrutiny last week as they slumped to an infamous 5-0 drumming at the hands of London rivals Arsenal, Chelsea have remarkably recorded just a single domestic clean sheet from any of their previous 17 straight appearances.

Team News

Still dealing with what has been a stacked injury list at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea will once again be unable to call upon the likes of Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Robert Sanchez, Wesley Fofana and French international Christopher Nkunku on Thursday night. Likewise, undergoing surgery on a groin injury last week, the Blues have confirmed that Enzo Fernandez will not feature over the remainder of the season.

Enjoying what has been a stunning maiden campaign in west London and notching 20 Premier League goals so far this season, the red-hot Cole Palmer will play a leading role here. Although Senegal international Nicolas Jackson might have bagged just a single strike since returning from March’s international break, the 22-year-old will spearhead Chelsea’s attack.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have almost completed a stunning north London comeback against arch-rivals Arsenal over the weekend, Spurs saw their Champions League dreams take a major dent. Eventually falling to an action-packed 3-2 defeat on home soil, Ange Postecoglou’s men have now lost consecutive Premier League showdowns for the first time since the end of November. Hit with a woeful 4-0 drumming at the hands of Newcastle on April 13th, Spurs have largely struggled with their consistency on either side of March’s international break. Heading into the fortnight interval with a shock 3-0 loss away at Fulham, the former Celtic boss has seen his squad win just a pair of their previous six Premier League appearances. Facing a real battle in their bid to book a lucrative top-four return, Tottenham have also gained a reputation for their own glaring struggles at the back. In fact, Thursday’s guests have recorded just a single domestic clean sheet since way back on January 5th.

Team News

Limping off against Arsenal last weekend after sustaining a first-half knock, former Chelsea star Timo Werner is not expected to feature on Thursday night. Likewise, undergoing successful surgery on a muscle injury, Tottenham have already confirmed that Italian international defender Destiny Odogie will not feature for the remainder of the season and is also set to miss this summer’s European Championships.

Making a brief cameo appearance off the bench in Sunday’s north London derby, former Everton star Richarlison could make a first Premier League start since the middle of February. Notching 16 top-flight strikes this season and bagging a consolation goal against Arsenal last weekend, attacking talisman Heung-min Son will once again spearhead Spurs’ charge at Stamford Bridge.

Key Factors to Consider

• When Chelsea and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on November 6th, the Blues picked up a 4-1 romp in north London.
• Chelsea have claimed just a single victory from any of their previous five meetings against Premier League opposition.
• Thursday’s hosts have remarkably recorded just a single clean sheet from any of their previous 17 straight appearances across all competitions.
• Likewise, Spurs have registered just a single clean sheet from any of their last 13 matchups across all formats.
• All of Chelsea’s last six showdowns at Stamford Bridge have finished with over 3.5 goals.

Conclusion

With all eyes falling on Stamford Bridge this week, neutrals could be treated to a real thriller from Stamford Bridge. With both of the bitter London rivals gaining a reputation for their glaring defensive issues, chances could come thick and fast here. Likewise, with Chelsea seeing all of their previous six consecutive showdowns in west London finish with over 3.5 goals, we are backing what could be another pulsating derby showdown in midweek.

Verdict: Over 1.5 goals in the second-half

Best Odds: 3/5

Bookmaker: Olympusbet