Chelsea face Tottenham with key defensive absences in Stamford Bridge derby

Chelsea and Tottenham meet at Stamford Bridge in a crucial London derby on matchday eight of the Premier League, with both sides facing significant selection problems before the fixture.

Chelsea are aiming to strengthen their position in the top three, while Tottenham are seeking greater consistency as they attempt to move away from the lower end of the table. The two historic rivals go into the match with several doubts in their respective squads.

Chelsea

Chelsea’s defence has been hit by a number of injuries. Emiliano Martinez will miss the match after suffering a fractured jaw during the team’s most recent victory at Goodison Park.

Captain Reece James is also unavailable and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.

There are further question marks over Malo Gusto and Pep Chavarria. Both players were rested during the previous round of the Premier League, and their fitness has not yet been confirmed.

Chelsea’s likely starting XI is expected to include Mike Penders in goal, with Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill forming a back three.

Pedro Neto, Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo and Jorrel Hato are likely to operate in midfield. Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers are the projected attacking trio.

Chelsea probable XI

Goalkeeper: Mike Penders

Defenders: Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill

Midfielders: Pedro Neto, Jordan Henderson, Moises Caicedo, Jorrel Hato

Forwards: Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers

Tottenham

Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi is dealing with an even longer list of potential absentees.

Xavi Simons, Wilson Odobert, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Savio, Lucas Bergvall and Pedro Porro were already unavailable before the latest concerns emerged.

Tosin Adarabioyo, Andrew Robertson and Omar Marmoush all picked up physical problems during the match against Coventry and remain major doubts for the derby. Destiny Udogie is also uncertain to take part.

Antonin Kinsky is expected to start in goal, behind a defence consisting of Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Micky van de Ven.

Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali and Dejan Kulusevski are the likely midfield selections, while Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke and James Maddison could lead the attack.

Tottenham probable XI

Goalkeeper: Antonin Kinsky

Defenders: Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, Micky van de Ven

Midfielders: Archie Gray, Rodrigo Bentancur, Sandro Tonali, Dejan Kulusevski

Forwards: Mohammed Kudus, Dominic Solanke, James Maddison

Chelsea will soon play Tottenham in their eighth Premier League fixture of the season. Betting company 1xbet lists Chelsea as favourites at 1.67, with a draw priced at 4.20 and a Tottenham victory at 4.75.