Jose Mourinho is back at the stadium at which he made his name in English football as Tottenham take on Chelsea this Saturday. Our Big Game Focus has the team news and betting tips. Click here to bet on the Premier League.
This London derby carries the prize of a place in the Premier League top four, for this weekend at least. Chelsea currently occupy fourth spot but are only one point above their rivals. A draw on Saturday, partnered with a big win for Sheffield United over Brighton, would leave both London teams outside the Champions League spots.
Both sides have had a week to forget so far. Chelsea welcomed Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Monday night, where they suffered a third defeat in five home league games. That result meant that Tottenham are now one of three sides that can overtake Frank Lampard’s side this weekend.
As for the visitors, the news that Son Heung-Min could potentially miss the rest of the season was followed by a 1-0 defeat to RB Leipzig in the Champions League. Defeat in the round-of-16 first leg leaves their participation hanging by a thread.
Victory for Jose Mourinho on his return to Stamford Bridge would significantly lift his spirits, though, but can he overcome the Blues?
Betting preview
Chelsea have conceded 36 goals so far this season, with 23 of those coming after half time. They have conceded in the second half in each of their last five games. Tottenham have found the net after the break in four of their last five games. You can get odds of 2.15 for 2nd Half Clean Sheet Home Team No.
Frank Lampard’s side have only picked up 18 of their 41 points this season at Stamford Bridge. They have won just one of their last five league games at home and have only won five league games there all season, all against teams currently in the bottom half. Double Chance Tottenham at odds of 2.10 could be a smart bet.
With Son side-lined along with Harry Kane, Dele Alli is likely to start as the target man in Mourinho’s line-up. The England midfielder has scored six times against Chelsea in his career; he hasn’t managed a higher tally against any other side. Back Dele Alli Anytime Scorer at odds of 3.75.
Team news
Tammy Abraham should be available for selection after a spell on the sidelines, but a groin injury sustained in the defeat to Manchester United means N’golo Kante misses out. Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi will not feature.
After a second-half cameo against RB Leipzig, Tanguy Ndombele could make his full return on Saturday.
Possible teams
Chelsea: Caballero, James, Rudiger, Zouma, Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Mount, Willian, Abraham, Pedro
Tottenham: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies, Ndombele, Winks, Lucas, Lo Celso, Bergwijn, Alli