Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
With all eyes falling on west London on Thursday night, Chelsea will welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have entered March’s international break with a 1-0 loss at the hands of Arsenal, Enzo Maresca’s men had turned somewhat of a corner. Booking their Europa Conference League quarter-final spot thanks to a 3-1 aggregate victory against Danish outfit Copenhagen, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad win four of their previous five appearances across all competitions. Signing off February with a 4-0 romp against Southampton, the Blues will be confident of laying down a top-four marker here. With their sole focus on booking an essential Champions League return in 2025, Maresca’s side will also be excited by their continued dominance on home soil. In fact, Thursday’s hosts have won each of their last five consecutive showdowns at Stamford Bridge by an aggregate score of 11-2.
Chelsea Team News
While attacking talisman Cole Palmer might have missed out against Arsenal prior to March’s international break, the former Manchester City starlet will make a full return here. Likewise, in what looks set to be a real double boost for Maresca’s men could welcome back both Noni Maduekue and Nicolas Jackson.
While Robert Sanchez might have real scrutiny over his long-term future at Stamford Bridge, the former Brighton goalkeeper should keep his spot between the sticks. Impressing while away with England over the past fortnight, Reece James could return to his natural role at right-back.
Tottenham
As for the visitors, while Tottenham might have booked their Europa League quarter-final spot as they edged past Dutch outfit AZ Alkmaar, Spurs have endured a public crisis this season. With large sections of the north London support making their frustrations clear, Ange Postecoglou has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Heading into March’s international break with a routine 2-0 loss away at Fulham, the former Celtic boss finds his downbeat squad firmly sat in the bottom-half of the table. Breaking a string of unwanted records this year, Spurs have gained an unwanted record for their glaring issues on the road. Including a 4-0 drumming at the hands of runaway leaders Liverpool on February 6th, Tottenham have lost four of their previous five showdowns outside of north London.
Tottenham Team News
Picking up a long-term knee injury at the end of January, former Genoa defender Radu Dragusin will miss the remainder of the season. Likewise, forced to withdraw from Sweden’s squad due to a foot issue, Tottenham are once again sweating over the fitness of Dejan Kulusevski.
While Dominic Solanke might have failed to get off the bench in both of England’s World Cup qualifying showdowns over the past fortnight, the 27-year-old will lead the charge in west London. Dutch star Micky van de Ven will be handed a full recall and pattern Cristian Romero at the back.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 8th, the Blues collected a sensational 4-3 victory in north London.
- In fact, Chelsea have won each of their last three meetings against Spurs by an aggregate score of 10-4.
- Tottenham have lost four of their last five away fixtures across all competitions.
- Chelsea have won each of their last five consecutive matchups at Stamford Bridge by an aggregate score of 11-2.
- Likewise, the Blues have not suffered a single defeat at Stamford Bridge so far this calendar year.
Conclusion
Claiming what was a remarkable 4-3 victory when they travelled to north London for their reverse Premier League meeting on December 8th, Chelsea hold what is a dominant recent record against their historic rivals. Winning each of their last three top-flight meetings by an aggregate score of 10-4, they will be confident of cashing in on a Tottenham squad who find themselves at the heart of a public crisis. With Spurs losing four of their last five showdowns outside of north London, we are backing a home victory on Thursday night.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 7/10
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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