London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea take center stage in Sunday’s Premier League action with a thrilling derby at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, following contrasting outings on the South Coast.

While Enzo Maresca’s side ran riot in a 5-1 demolition of Southampton midweek, Tottenham stumbled to a lackluster 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth, sparking frustration among their fans. Tottenham’s supporters did not hold back in expressing their dissatisfaction with Thursday’s performance at the Vitality Stadium. A first-half header from Bournemouth teenager Dean Huijsen sealed the Cherries’ deserved victory, with Spurs lucky not to suffer a heavier loss due to their opponents’ wastefulness in front of goal. The injury-hit Lilywhites ended the match with only one fit center-back available, exacerbating their woes. Manager Ange Postecoglou faced direct criticism from disgruntled fans as Tottenham continued their slide into mid-table mediocrity, sitting 10th in the Premier League table—six points adrift of the Champions League spots. Spurs have managed just one win in their last six outings across all competitions, but that solitary success was a remarkable 4-0 victory over reigning champions Manchester City. Postecoglou’s side will look to build on that display as they aim to score for the 10th consecutive home game this weekend.

However, Tottenham’s recent home record is far from inspiring, with winless results against Roma, Fulham, and Ipswich Town in their last three matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Additionally, they have struggled in London derbies under Postecoglou, winning just four of their last 13 league encounters with capital rivals while losing seven. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s recent surge continued midweek as they dismantled Southampton. Axel Disasi’s early header set the tone for the Blues at St Mary’s, and although Joe Aribo briefly equalized for the hosts, Chelsea’s firepower proved too much. Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Jadon Sancho each got on the scoresheet in an emphatic display. Maresca remains measured about Chelsea’s Premier League title chances, but his team now sits second in the standings, just behind Liverpool, following Arsenal’s slip-up. The Blues trail the league leaders by seven points but have solidified their position as Liverpool’s closest challengers. Chelsea’s winning streak now stands at four matches across all competitions, including three consecutive away victories. Their record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is particularly formidable, with five wins from their last seven visits. They’ve defeated Spurs more often at their home ground than any other team since the stadium opened in 2019, including a 4-1 triumph last season. Tottenham’s injury problems deepened on Thursday as Ben Davies suffered a hamstring injury that could sideline him for an extended period. With Micky van de Ven also out with a thigh issue, Cristian Romero’s recovery from a toe injury is crucial. Until then, teenage defender Archie Gray may need to partner Radu Dragusin at the back.

Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended, while Guglielmo Vicario (ankle), Richarlison (hamstring), Mikey Moore (illness), and Wilson Odobert (hamstring) remain unavailable. Despite resting Son Heung-min against Bournemouth, Postecoglou is expected to reinstate his captain for the derby. Chelsea’s defensive absences are less severe, with Wesley Fofana and Reece James still sidelined due to hamstring injuries. Omari Kellyman is out for the same reason, while Mykhaylo Mudryk is battling illness but was unlikely to feature. In attack, Maresca could bring back Pedro Neto, Sancho, and Nicolas Jackson, although midweek scorers Madueke, Nkunku, and Joao Felix are also strong options. Axel Disasi, who impressed against Southampton, should retain his place in the defense alongside Levi Colwill and Robert Sanchez, while Fofana’s absence continues.

With Tottenham likely to field a makeshift backline and operating on a day’s less rest than Chelsea, the home crowd may fear a repeat of last season’s drubbing. Spurs narrowly avoided a heavier defeat at Bournemouth, but Chelsea’s clinical attackers are unlikely to show the same mercy at one of their most successful venues.

Best Tip: X2

Correct score: 2-2