- Date & Time: Thursday, May 2 – at 19:30 BST
- Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
- Teams: Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
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Vital clash as Chelsea strive for Europe and Spurs battle for Champions League spot.
Thursday’s Premier League London derby sees Chelsea take on Tottenham Hotspur. Chelsea completed a great comeback against Aston Villa last weekend, while Spurs came from three down to give Arsenal a scare in the North London derby, falling just short of snatching an improbable point after being outplayed in the first half.
Chelsea
Chelsea seemed destined for defeat as the halftime whistle blew at Villa Park. Marc Cucurella’s own goal and Morgan Rogers’s exceptional strike had propelled Unai Emery’s side to a two-goal advantage, capitalising on Chelsea’s familiar wastefulness in the final third.
However, Chelsea defied the odds and staged a remarkable comeback, avoiding defeat after being two goals down at halftime for just the fourth time in Premier League history. Noni Madueke’s curler and Conor Gallagher’s sublime effort levelled the score, briefly igniting pandemonium among the away supporters. Robin Olsen and Axel Disasi’s unintentional combination almost secured an apparent winner, only for VAR to intervene. Despite Chelsea’s protests and Craig Pawson’s close observation, the goal was disallowed due to a perceived shove from Benoit Badiashile on Diego Carlos.
Gallagher expressed his disappointment at full time as Chelsea’s winless streak extended to three matches. Nonetheless, they maintain a solid position in the top half of the standings, currently in ninth place, and are still in contention for European qualification. With seventh-placed Newcastle United having played an additional game and only five points ahead, Chelsea’s European aspirations remain alive.
While Chelsea have struggled with profligacy in recent matches, their home performances at Stamford Bridge have been prolific. They have won five and drawn one of their last six matches at home, scoring multiple goals in each game, albeit conceding more than twice in all but one of them.
Thiago Silva (groin) is a major doubt. Raheem Sterling (back), Robert Sanchez (unspecified), Christopher Nkunku (thigh) and Levi Colwill (toe) are all doubtful and face fitness tests. Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James (thigh), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Lesley Ugochukwu (thigh), Malo Gusto (knee), Ben Chilwell (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) and Enzo Fernandez (hernia) are all out.
Tottenham Hotspur
Ange Postecoglou’s team will be eager to rectify their derby day defeat and regain control over their top-four aspirations. Despite showing promise in the second half against Arsenal, defensive lapses have cost them dearly, leaving them seven points adrift with only two games left to play.
Tottenham are still reeling from a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Newcastle and have struggled on the road, winning only two of their last 10 away matches. Their defensive frailties have been exposed, conceding eight goals in their last three away games. With memories of a painful loss to Chelsea earlier in the season and a poor record at Stamford Bridge, they face an uphill battle.
Former Chelsea forward Timo Werner looks certain to miss out against his old club after picking up a hamstring injury against Arsenal. Richarlison or Brennan Johnson are in line to replace him. Destiny Udogie (thigh), Fraser Forster (ankle), Ryan Sessegnon (thigh) and Manor Solomon (knee) are all out. Oliver Skipp (knock) could possibly be fit enough to return.
Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur: Odds
Live odds for this match are as follows:
Stamford Bridge, London
Chelsea are the bookies favourites to pick up the three points.
Prediction
Expect a high scoring encounter. Chelsea score plenty of goals at home, however, they have conceded a few too. Tottenham have had a good season and their attacking style and high line means that even when they are winning games they are liable to give away a few chances. Spurs have recently been in indifferent form, and it would be no surprise to see them ship a couple of goals here. We think that Chelsea could edge it by the odd goal. Home win.
Tip: BTTS, +3.5 goals.
