Tottenham Hotspur’s London derby against Chelsea is scheduled to take place on Saturday, setting up a high-stakes clash between the two clubs in the Premier League.

If Week 10 of the 2025/26 Premier League season plays out like Chelsea’s 4-3 win in December 2024, fans will be in for a treat.

Tottenham are currently third in the Premier League table, while Chelsea are still struggling to maintain stability. Both form and key absences mean this game is far from straightforward.

Competition details

tottenham hotspur stadium
London, UK
Saturday, November 1
17:30 GMT

Cole Palmer and Levi Colwell’s absences too obvious – Chelsea’s form has been up and down

Midfielder Cole Palmer remains out with a groin injury and won’t return until approximately late November or early December. Linebacker Levi Colwell also missed most of the season.

These absences have had an impact on both Chelsea’s creativity and defence. In addition, Chelsea’s form this season is also unstable. They showed good offensive performances but often had moments of confusion. One moment they look dangerous, the next they appear vulnerable.

It’s an opportunity for Tottenham Hotspur – facing a Chelsea side that lacks big pieces and isn’t quite balanced. But they must avoid complacency as the intensity remains high in Tottenham’s London derby against Chelsea.

Chelsea’s disciplinary issues

Chelsea’s problem isn’t just injuries and form – discipline is also a real concern. The Blues are often punished with red and yellow cards. Head coach Enzo Maresca admitted the young side must “grow” and make fewer mistakes.

First, Liam Delap, who returned from injury, came on as a substitute in Chelsea’s 4-3 win over Wolves in the fourth round of the FA Cup. Although his return was warmly welcomed, the game was cut short as the striker picked up two yellow cards within 10 minutes. He will not be available for domestic selection until Chelsea’s Premier League match against Wolves on November 8.

In big games, especially derbies, losing a player or committing a foul can affect the outcome. Tottenham will be looking to exploit Chelsea’s lapses in concentration. Tottenham will punish Chelsea if they give up a cheap set-piece or second goal due to a breach of discipline.

You may also like: Should Aggie Beaver-Jones start for England?

H2H conflict history

Tottenham vs. Chelsea has a rich history and Chelsea has a clear advantage. Judging from direct confrontations, Chelsea has won significantly more times than Tottenham.

Especially in recent seasons, Chelsea has basically had the upper hand in London derbies. Chelsea have won six of their last eight meetings, while Spurs have won just one.

Tottenham Hotspur know this and will be determined to change that narrative – but they face a mental hurdle. For Tottenham Hotspur, beating Chelsea at home would send a strong message.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea injuries, doubts and suspensions

Tottenham Hotspur injured: Dejan Kuleshevski, James Maddison, Radu Dragusin, Ben Davies, Destiny Udoji, Yves Bissouma, Archie Gray, Christian Romero (doubtful), Dominic Solanke (doubtful), Kota Takai (doubtful).

Chelsea injuries: Dario Esugo, Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashle, Levi Colwell, Liam Delap (suspended)

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea Predicted Lineup

This London derby promises to be an interesting game, all things considered, and both Thomas Frank and Enzo Maresca will be looking to field the best possible team. Below, let’s take a look at the predicted lineup for Tottenham vs Chelsea:

Tottenham Hotspur predicted XI: Pictures Birch, Pedro Deso, Funery, Micky Ven, Spence, Palm, Rodrigo Bentacur, Brennan Johnson, Xavas Simons, Mohamed Kudus, Kolo Muani

Chelsea predicted eleven: Roberto Sanchez, Marlo Gusto, Trevor Chalobah, Josh Achimpon, Mark Cucurella, Reece James, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Alejandro Ganaccio, Andre Santos, Joao Pedro

main photo

Credit: IMAGO/Professional Sports Photos

Record date: October 29, 2025