Two Premier League rivals meet in Australia on Saturday as Chelsea and Tottenham face off in the Sydney Super Cup at Accor Stadium.
Chelsea began life under Xabi Alonso with a dramatic 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, while Roberto De Zerbi has overseen three wins from three in Tottenham’s pre-season preparations.
De Zerbi spoke to the media ahead of the match, and clarified his comments after hinting that a big “bomba” was on the way in the form of a new signing.
He said: “Yes, but bomba in Italian is different from bomba in English. You can write what you want, no problem, no pressure.
“But I said we have to complete the transfer market. I think we have some other players to complete the squad, and the players will be here in the next in the next days are for me, top players.
“I don’t know if the expectation are bigger than two days ago, but we have to go forward and to think to the good of the the team of the club, of the the squad, But in Italian it’s a different word.
“(So what is Bomba in Italian?) Tonali, Fernandes, Senesi, Robertson are bomba. Top players for us.”
Team news for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea are expected to field a stronger starting XI after handing opportunities to a number of academy players against Western Sydney.
Landon Emenalo impressed at left-back and could retain his place, while youngsters Reggie Watson, Reggie Walsh and Dastan Satpaev all enhanced their chances of further involvement with encouraging performances.
Joao Pedro is pushing to start after coming off the bench to score a hat-trick and provide an assist on his unofficial Chelsea debut, while Jamie Gittens also made a major impact after his introduction.
Liam Delap may make way following a quiet display in the opening friendly, with Alonso likely to increase the minutes of several senior players.
Tottenham have no major injury concerns, and Andy Robertson is in contention for his first start after making his debut from the bench against Sydney FC and converting his penalty in the shootout win.
Rio Kyerematen has started all three friendlies at left-back and may keep his place ahead of Robertson, while Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes are expected to continue together in midfield.
Mathys Tel has been one of Spurs’ standout performers during pre-season, registering a goal and an assist in his three appearances, while Dominic Solanke could return to lead the line.
Predicted line-ups for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea possible starting XI:
Sanchez; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Emenalo; Watson, Essugo; Satpaev, Walsh, Gittens; Joao Pedro
Tottenham possible starting XI:
Dubravka; Hall, Takai, Davies, Kyerematen; Fernandes, Tonali; Solomon, Gallagher, Tel; Solanke
How to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham: TV channel, online stream
The match kicks off at 10:45am BST on Saturday, August 1.
It will be shown live as part of the Sydney Super Cup coverage, with streaming available through the clubs’ official pre-season channels.
The stats for Chelsea vs Tottenham
- Chelsea scored six goals from 23 shots in Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge, beating Western Sydney Wanderers 6-4
- Joao Pedro marked his Chelsea debut with a hat-trick and an assist after coming off the bench
- Tottenham have won all three of their pre-season matches, beating MK Dons, Auckland FC and Sydney FC
- Spurs have conceded just one goal across those three friendlies, with Sydney FC the first team to breach their defence this summer
- Mathys Tel has contributed a goal and an assist in Tottenham’s three pre-season fixtures
- Chelsea have won each of the last six meetings with Tottenham in all competitions
- Tottenham’s last victory over Chelsea came in the Premier League in November 2023
- Saturday’s meeting will be the first match between the clubs to be played in Australia
Prediction for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea have already shown the attacking quality Alonso wants to implement, but their defensive organisation is still a work in progress.
Tottenham look further along in their preparations and appear far more settled under De Zerbi, so they may have enough to edge an entertaining contest.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-3 Tottenham
