Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night in a crucial London derby with major implications at both ends of the Premier League table.
The Blues are still clinging to hopes of securing European football for next season, while Spurs know victory in West London would guarantee their top-flight survival.
Chelsea head into the contest following defeat in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, but attention has quickly shifted towards the arrival of new head coach Xabi Alonso, who will officially take charge this summer.
Despite their recent struggles, the Blues produced an encouraging display against City and also picked up a valuable 1-1 draw away at Liverpool last weekend.
That result ended a six-match losing streak in the Premier League, though Chelsea remain outside the European places heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
They are currently six points behind sixth-placed Bournemouth and realistically require a strong finish, alongside favourable results elsewhere, to keep their Champions League hopes alive.
Chelsea’s poor recent home form has been a major issue, with the club on the verge of suffering five consecutive league defeats at Stamford Bridge for the first time in their history.
Tottenham arrive at Stamford Bridge with survival now within reach following an upturn in form under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Lilywhites were frustrated after conceding late in a 1-1 draw against Leeds last time out, but results elsewhere mean they remain two points clear of the bottom three with a game in hand.
And head coach Roberto De Zerbi is aware of the situation, but is still taking things one step at a time.
“One thing at a time. Now we need to play two games. We need to make other points to achieve our target and then have the right time to talk about the problems we have had, but it’s not time right now and to lose energy over it.
“We didn’t deserve to lose the first game at Sunderland but we made eight points from the next four and we deserved to get more points. But we can’t remember how things were a month ago. To get one point is tough, because all teams fight on the pitch. I want to see the right spirit, character and courage on the pitch.”
Team news for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea could be without Joao Pedro after the Brazilian picked up a leg injury during the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
Jesse Derry, Estevao and Jamie Gittens remain sidelined, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended.
There was better news for the Blues elsewhere, with Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Robert Sanchez all returning to action at Wembley.
For Tottenham, James Maddison made his long-awaited return from injury against Leeds but is unlikely to start after only recently regaining fitness.
Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero all remain unavailable through injury.
Dominic Solanke, Ben Davies and Guglielmo Vicario are still being assessed ahead of kick-off.
Expected line-ups for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea: Sanchez; Fofana, Colwill, Hato; Gusto, Caicedo, Fernandez, Cucurella; Palmer, Neto; Delap
Tottenham: Kinsky; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Palhinha; Kolo Muani, Gallagher, Tel; Richarlison
Where to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham: TV channel, live stream
The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports, with streaming available via NOW TV and the Sky Go app.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8:15pm BST on Tuesday.
The stats for Chelsea vs Tottenham
- Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five Premier League meetings with Tottenham
- Spurs have not won a league match at Stamford Bridge since 2018
- Tottenham have won seven away Premier League matches this season
- Chelsea are without a home league win in their last four matches
- Spurs are unbeaten in their last four Premier League games
Prediction for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea have looked more organised in recent weeks despite their poor results, but goals have been difficult to come by and uncertainty remains around Joao Pedro’s fitness.
Tottenham’s improved away form should give them confidence, and with survival within touching distance, Spurs may do enough to leave Stamford Bridge with a valuable point.
Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Tottenham
