EPL Predictions: Chelsea vs Tottenham

Chelsea and Tottenham are two London clubs whose matches attract global attention.

Today, the two sides clash yet again, in what promises to be an exciting encounter.

Since their victory in the Champions League two years ago, Chelsea have been hit by some major departures, like Timo Werner and Antonio Rudiger.

Even now, their side looks unsettled as many key players like Pulisic and Jorginho are apparently, looking for a way out.

Despite this, Chelsea began their 2022/23 Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

With Lukaku and Werner gone, the obvious question – Will new signing Sterling fill the goal-scoring gap? 

Manager Tuchel needs to answer this question fast if Chelsea want to stay competitive.

Meanwhile, Tottenham began their campaign in style, smashing Southampton 4-1 at home.

Antonio Conte has created a team that looks well-oiled and seamless.

Interestingly, even though Son and Kane failed to hit the net, Tottenham still managed to create plenty of chances and goals.

Team news

For Chelsea, Mateo Kovacic is ruled out due to knee injury.

Another key player Marcos Alonso will also miss out as he is still trying for a move to Barcelona.

Tuchel is likely to deploy his usual 3-4-2-1 formation.

Edouard Mendy will don the goal-keeper gloves.

Captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and new signing Kalidou Koulibaly, who was impressive against Everton, will form the three-man defensive unit.

Reece James and Ben Chilwell are expected to take up the wing-back slots on the right and left sides.

We might see some minutes for new signing, Marc Cucurella in place of Chilwell.

Kante and Jorginho, who scored the only goal of the game against Everton, will be the defensive midfielders.

Conor Gallagher and Carney Chukwuemeka will be on the bench but might get a chance.

The goal-scoring burden will be carried by Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling as the attacking midfielders and Havertz functioning as the lone centre-forward.

For Tottenham, Clement Lenglet is set to miss out due to a thigh injury.

Thankfully, new signing Richarlison is available for selection and could make his debut, after missing the season opener due to suspension.

Hugo Lloris will be the goal-keeper and Conte will prefer his trusted three musketeers- Cristian Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies in defence.

Emerson Royal and Ryan Sessegnon will line up as the two wing-backs.

Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will be the defensive pivots, with Yves Bissouma as the back-up.

When it comes to the forward line, Conte can count on one of the most dreaded combinations in the Premier League – Son on the left, Kane in the centre and Kulusevski on the right.

Richardson will start on the bench but will surely get an opportunity.

Chelsea Likely 11

.Probable Lineup (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Koulibaly; James, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell; Mount, Sterling; Havertz

Tottenham Likely 11

Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Lloris; Romero, Dier, Davies; Emerson, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon; Kulusevski, Kane, Son

Vital stats

Chelsea have won their last four matches against Tottenham in all competitions.

Of their 60 Premier League encounters, Chelsea has won 33 and Tottenham have won only 7.

20 matches have ended in a draw.

Chelsea have won their opening Premier League home fixture only 3 times in the past 7 seasons.

Prediction

History favours Chelsea but current form favours Tottenham.

We believe Tottenham has toughened up mentally and improved strategically after the induction of Conte.

Hence Tottenham will win 2-0.