Prediction: Chelsea vs Tottenham

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: William Hill

Mauricio Pochettino’s men are in for a tough test at Stamford Bridge this Saturday, as their clash against Premier League leaders Chelsea is coming on the back of a disappointing Champions League elimination. London derbies are regular feisty affairs and there is no reason to expect a different one this time out.

Chelsea

Antonio Conte’s early days at Chelsea have been a great example of his tactical depth and brilliance. The Italian has opened his Premier League account with three wins on the trot, but faced a slump in form which forced him to change his approach and modus operandi much to delight of Blues supporters. Switching to 3-4-3 proved to be a masterstroke which put Chelsea back on winning ways. Conte’s men are enjoying a six-match winning streak in the league which put them top of the pack with a point in front of Liverpool and Manchester City, but Chelsea’s title bid is facing one of the biggest tests so far with Tottenham coming to Stamford Bridge. Despite their somewhat poor form, Spurs are a force to be reckoned with and Antonio Conte is well aware of the challenge that lies ahead. Still, the confidence within the team is high as it gets and Chelsea will look to extend their formidable run past the Saturday’s duel. Diego Costa is the man to watch for Chelsea as the Spanish international has been revived by Conte to score 10 goals and record 3 assists so far in the season.

Team News

Antonio Conte has no fresh injuries to worry about, which means he will be able to field his strongest side against Tottenham.

Marco van Ginlkel and Kurt Zouma are the only names on the injury list, and the pair is yet to make a competitive appearance this season due to their knee injuries.

Tottenham

It has been a frustrating couple of weeks for Tottenham who won only one of their last nine appearances in all competitions. Last season title contenders have struggled with form which appeared to have been re-established with the hard-fought 3-2 win over West Ham last week in the Premier League. However, the middle of the week brought fresh disappointment for Spurs faithful, who watched their team slump to a 2-1 defeat at Monaco and subsequent crash out of the Champions League. The only positives Mauricio Pochettino will be able to draw from the frustrating loss in France is another goal from Harry Kane, his third in two matches back from his lengthy injury and incredible form of Hugo Lloris, who had a brilliant night. Travelling to Stamford Bridge will present Spurs with a chance to make their payback for a 2-2 draw at Chelsea which ended Tottenham’s hopes of winning the title back in May. It was a match that produced 12 yellow cards and we expect no shortage of flairs this time out as well.

Team News

Tottenham full-back Danny Rose picked up his fifth booking at the weekend and will be out of contention, together with influential defender Toby Alderweireld who has failed to recover from his knee injury.

Mauricio Pochettino is expected to switch back to 3-4-3 with Kevin Wimmer slotting into a three-man backline.

Key Aspects to Consider

• Chelsea are on a 6-match winning streak in the league
• Spurs are unbeaten in last 12 Premier League games
• Last two encounters between two sides ended in draw
• Spurs failed to win in last six matches on the road
• Diego Costa tops the EPL charts with 10 goals to his name

Conclusion

London rivals head into the Stamford Bridge derby in contrasting forms, but with the same objective. Chelsea are keen to extend their formidable run and keep their top spot, while Tottenham are eager to get back to winning ways and show that their Champions League elimination will have left no scars on the team. Duels between two teams are fiercely-contested affairs and we expect tempers to flair once again.

Verdict: Home win

Best Odds: 3/4

Bookmaker: William Hill