Chelsea vs Tottenham Preview
- Draw or Chelsea win
- Both teams to score
The race for UEFA Champions League qualification continues to tighten as Chelsea host Tottenham in a pivotal all-London clash at Stamford Bridge.
Both sides return from the international break in unconvincing form, but while Chelsea remain inside the top four, Tottenham find themselves drifting further into mid-table, with little margin for error left in their Premier League campaign.
Chelsea: Fortress Stamford Bridge Could Be Key
Chelsea entered the international break with three defeats in six league matches (W3), but with Manchester City and Newcastle also faltering, Enzo Maresca’s side managed to retain their grip on fourth place.
However, with a host of challengers waiting in the wings, any further slip-ups could prove costly.
A clear pattern has emerged from Chelsea’s last eight league games: four home wins and four away losses. That will provide some comfort ahead of this derby, especially as they face one of their favourite opponents in recent history.
Chelsea have a dominant record in this fixture, winning nine of the last 12 league meetings with Tottenham (D2, L1), including the last three by a combined score of 10-4.
The Blues have also won more Premier League games against Spurs (36) than against any other opponent. Given their strong home form and Tottenham’s ongoing struggles, they’ll be confident of extending that dominance.
Tottenham: Europa League Distraction and Derby Struggles
Tottenham’s season continues to unravel. With 13 points separating them from the top six before this round, Ange Postecoglou’s side are almost certain to miss out on European qualification via the league, barring a dramatic late surge.
A poor record in London derbies has played a significant role in their downfall. With just ten points from nine derby matches this season (W3, D1, L5), Spurs have the joint-worst return in the division from capital clashes.
Postecoglou may be forced to prioritise the UEFA Europa League as a route to silverware, particularly given the scrutiny over his bold claim about securing “second season trophies.”
However, his league legacy is at stake here—he could become the first Spurs manager to lose his first four league games against Chelsea, a fate that could further tarnish what’s already been a frustrating campaign.
Head-to-Head Highlights and Key Stats
- Chelsea have won 9 of the last 12 league H2Hs vs Tottenham (D2, L1)
- Spurs have not won at Stamford Bridge in the league since April 2018
- Chelsea have won more Premier League matches against Tottenham (36) than any other club
- Tottenham have taken just 10 points from nine London derbies this season
- Chelsea’s last eight league matches: W4 (all home), L4 (all away)
- Tottenham are 13 points adrift of the top six
Players to Watch
Marc Cucurella (Chelsea)
The left-back has found a surprising goalscoring touch, netting in each of Chelsea’s last two home league games. Impressively, all five of his goals this season have come in home victories, underlining his impact at Stamford Bridge.
Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Son scored in the 4-3 defeat in the reverse fixture, but his overall record against Chelsea is underwhelming: just three goals in 20 H2Hs, no assists, and only five wins (D4, L11). Spurs will need him to produce something special if they are to reverse their poor form.
Prediction: Chelsea’s Home Form to Outweigh Tottenham’s Struggles
With their top-four place under threat, Chelsea cannot afford anything less than a win here. Their dominant record against Tottenham, combined with the Blues’ strong home form and the visitors’ dismal derby return, points towards a continuation of recent trends.
Tottenham will look to keep this tight and hope for moments of quality from Son or James Maddison, but Chelsea’s sharpness and structure at home could prove decisive.
Predicted Score: Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham
Chelsea stay on course for Champions League football, while Spurs edge closer to a forgettable mid-table finish.
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Chelsea v Spurs, 2024/25 | Premier League