Chelsea vs Tottenham tips and predictions: Blues to edge another thriller at the Bridge
- George Dempsey
- 30 April 2024
London rivals Chelsea and Tottenham will continue their pursuit of European football when they clash at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night (2000 BST).
Chelsea made a slow start against Aston Villa on Saturday yet they produced one of their best performances of the season as they battled back from 2-0 down to claim a point.
Noni Madueke and Connor Gallagher struck in a second half dominated by Mauricio Pochettino’s side but the result saw them fall further behind Newcastle.
The Blues may trail the Toon by five points but Thursday is a game in hand and finishing seventh could mean a place in the Europa Conference League.
On the other hand, Tottenham are looking to bounce back from a disappointing North London derby defeat.
Ange Postecoglou’s side performed reasonably well at times yet still found themselves 3-0 down to rivals Arsenal before Christian Romero and Son Heung-min sparked a revival.
Back-to-back defeats at the hands of Newcastle and the Gunners haven’t affected their firm grip on fifth place, but it has allowed Villa to pull clear in the Champions League places.
With just two wins to their name in 10 outings, Spurs’ away form is holding them back. Overall they’ve been tough to beat, but they’re also prone to the odd collapse.
The Blues have also suffered on the road but their home form is keeping them in the fight for Europe, as they’ve suffered just one defeat in 17 at Stamford Bridge.
Cole Palmer has been the catalyst behind so much of their success, contributing 10 of the 22 goals the Blues have rattled in across their last six appearances at home.
Team news
Chelsea’s extensive injury list includes Wesley Fofana, Romeo Lavia, Enzo Fernandez, Lesley Ugochukwu, Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Thiago Silva, Robert Sanchez and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill and Raheem Sterling will be monitored this week.
Fraser Forster, Destiny Udogie, Ryan Sessegnon, Manor Solomon and Timo Werner have been ruled out for Spurs.
Oliver Skipp may be available but Rodrigo Bentancur and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will continue in midfield.
Key stats
- Chelsea are unbeaten in 13 of 14 meetings, winning 10 times
- There have been over 3.5 goals in 10 of Chelsea’s last 11 matches
- Chelsea have scored two or more goals in eight of nine home matches
- There have been over 3.5 goals in six of Tottenham’s last nine away matches
- Tottenham have won two of their last 10 away matches
