Prediction: Tottenham vs Chelsea

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: bet365

Two of the top teams in the English Premier League season will collide this Sunday. Chelsea and Tottenham will meet at Wembley Stadium at 16:00 hrs BST. The hosts will look for their second straight win, while The Blues will try to bounce back following their disappointing loss against Burnley in the season opener.

Tottenham

The Spurs have grabbed headlines this week after securing the services of Davinson Sanchez in an effort to strengthen the side defensively. And while Tottenham have not been nearly as active as some fans expected during the transfer market, they still got off to a good start to the season. The away win over Newcastle United showed Mauricio Pochettino’s men are ready to assault the title once again, even if they do not sign the reinforcements the Argentinian manager requested. And playing at home has been one of their biggest strenghts after compiling a 17W 2D 0L record last season. Will they maintain the streak going in their home opener? It is a tough challenge considering Chelsea are one of the top squads in the league, but the Spurs know how to play in front of their fans. And getting a good result against the reigning league champions would do wonders for their confidence and morale.

Team News

Kieran Trippier is out injured, and Davinson Sanchez will not debut until next week at the earliest. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Danny Rose and Erik Lamela remain sidelined as well.

Heung-Min Son should have another chance to feature after playing off the bench against Newcastle last week. And considering all the absences, it is likely that we will see Kyle Walker-Peters in the starting XI once again.

Chelsea

No one expected Chelsea to lose in the season opener against Burnley, but that is exactly what happened. And it is not only the fact that they lost 2-3, but it is the way it happened. The Blues looked outmatched against one of the worst visiting teams in the league this past season, and they ended with nine players after Cesc Fabregas and Gary Cahill were sent off. Antonio Conte needs to do something, because Chelsea can’t afford to start the new season with two consecutive defeats, especially considering that Tottenham are one of their direct opponents in the race for the league title. Conte is preparing a few changes to the squad, but there is no way to sugarcoat it: Chelsea must improve before it’s too late. Fortunately for them, they registered a 13W 3D 3L record on the road last season, so they have proven they can compete outside the confines of Stanford Bridge. But can they do it against the top home side in the league last year?

Team News

As mentioned above, Fabregas and Cahill are out due to suspension. Therefore, Andreas Christensen will likely make his starting debut with the team. Alvaro Morata is likely to start for the first time as well after coming off the bench (and bagging a goal) last week.

Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko have returned to training but are short on match fitness. And Pedro is doubtful with an ankle injury.

Key Factors to Consider

• Tottenham were unbeaten at home last season, posting a 17W 2D 0L mark.
• On the other hand, Chelsea was the best visiting squad in the Premier League last season. They posted a 13W 3D 3L record.
• Tottenham came out on top 2-0 the last time these two sides met at Wembley.
• Chelsea have lost just two of their last 17 games in all competitions against Tottenham (W8 D7 L2).
• Harry Kane has scored 18 goals in 21 Premier League London derbies since his brace versus Chelsea on New Year’s Day in 2015.

Conclusion

As mentioned earlier, these were the best two teams in the Premier League last season. And while both sides will be shorthanded due to injuries, there is no question both clubs feature an impressive amount of talent on their own right.

And if we analyse the predicted starting lineups, then players such as Kane, Morata, Alli and Willian are all likely to start. We have the potential for a high-scoring affair, so it is quite possible to see both teams scoring in this one.

Verdict: Both teams to score – yes

Best Odds: 7/10

Bookmaker: bet365