This weekend will see the first of the elite London derbies as two top four sides from the capital clash. Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea hosts Antonio Conte’s Tottenham in what could be a huge fixture. Despite it taking place on just the second weekend of the season, this match could have huge ramifications regarding the final makeup of the top four.
Chelsea started their season in a match that was unforgettable to anyone except Chelsea fans. In a drab match, Chelsea got the three points defeating Everton 1-0 at Goodison Park. They entertained nobody. Tottenham started a season that promises so much with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Ralph Hasenhüttl’s Southampton. It was just the start that both Spurs fans and staff would have wanted, as Spurs look to finally end their trophy drought this season.
Tottenham at Chelsea FYIs
Kick-off: Saturday, Aug 14, 4.30 pm local, Stamford Bridge
Starting XI Prediction Material: Chelsea Tottenham
After Extra Time Podcast: Spotify Apple
Google Result Probability: Chelsea victory 42% Draw 28% Tottenham victory 30%
Watch: USA Network
Team News
Both sides have next to no injury worries heading into this match. Therefore, we have condensed the team news for both teams into the same article.
For Chelsea, their new signing Kalidou Koulibaly had a tough time dealing with the physicality and pace of the Premier League, coming down with cramps frequently last week. Thomas Tuchel confirmed it was just a fatigue issue, and the Senegalese is likely to appear again this week.
At Tottenham, long-term injury sufferer Oliver Skipp remains out with a foot injury. Antonio Conte spoke about the unlucky midfielder in the buildup to last week’s match: “At this moment [he] is not available, and also for two or three games.
“He had a fracture in his foot; for this reason, we need a bit of patience. He’s unlucky.”
Stueys Two Cents
Despite the severe lack of entertainment from the Blues last weekend, I think their first home game will be quite different. Tottenham should bring Chelsea out of their shells. The Conte vs Tuchel narrative will provide a fascinating tactical battle. This has the potential to be a match of the week contender. Don’t miss this one.
Stuart Kavanagh is a journalist currently residing in Broken Hill, Australia. He writes for the Barrier Truth newspaper, along with being the owner of the sports and entertainment website thepyrrhic.com, He also co-hosts the ‘After Extra Time’ podcast and contributes at edgeofthecrowd.com when time permits.
Football mad, he is always down for debate and discussion at @stueyissickofit on Twitter.