Thomas Frank gets his first taste of a major London derby as Tottenham Hotspur welcome Chelsea under the lights in North London. It’s a fixture that rarely disappoints — and this edition arrives with plenty of storylines, pressure, and history attached.
Tottenham will be looking to end a miserable run against their London rivals, having managed just one league win in their last 13 meetings with the Blues. The last time Spurs took all three points was three seasons ago, when Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane inspired a 2–0 victory over a struggling Chelsea side that went on to finish 12th.
Injuries Threaten Spurs’ Momentum
Frank’s Tottenham have started the season brightly, sitting third in the Premier League table heading into the weekend. But the optimism is tempered by a mounting injury crisis — with as many as 12 first-team players ruled out or doubtful for the clash.
This marks the beginning of a testing run for Spurs, who will face Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain in quick succession after this London showdown. Frank’s tactical discipline and adaptability will be put to the ultimate test in the coming weeks.
Chelsea’s Steady Resurgence
Chelsea, meanwhile, appear to be slowly finding their rhythm. Enzo Maresca’s side advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a hard-fought win over Wolves, a match where João Pedro was rested and Enzo Fernández and Moises Caicedo made brief second-half appearances.
The Blues have begun to show flashes of consistency after an uneven start to the campaign — and they’ll see this clash as a perfect opportunity to make a statement away from home.
What to Expect
Spurs will rely on home advantage and Thomas Frank’s tactical structure to frustrate Chelsea’s possession-heavy style. The Blues, however, will back their recent momentum and squad depth to carry them through against an injury-hit opponent.
Both sides have plenty to prove — Tottenham chasing validation under new management, Chelsea seeking to maintain their steady climb.
Prediction
With Tottenham stretched thin and Chelsea gaining confidence, this one could tilt slightly in the visitors’ favour. Still, derbies have a way of defying logic, and Spurs’ resilience shouldn’t be underestimated.
Predicted Score: Tottenham Hotspur 1–2 Chelsea
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