On this first day of November 2025, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is set to host a London derby that is as much about overcoming adversity as it is about rivalry. With both Tottenham and Chelsea navigating significant injury crises, tonight's clash will test the depth and resilience of each squad.
The team sheets will make for interesting reading, as both managers are missing a host of first-team players.
Tottenham Hotspur
Manager Thomas Frank has a lengthy absentee list but has received a couple of key boosts.Defensive stalwart Cristian Romero (adductor issue) and full-back Destiny Udogie (knee) are both available for selection after returning to training, though Frank may be cautious with the latter. The same goes for attacker Wilson Odobert, who is being assessed for a side strain.
However, the treatment room remains crowded. Key figures are confirmed misses, including:
· Dominic Solanke (ankle surgery)
· James Maddison
· Dejan Kulusevski
· Archie Gray (calf), the latest to join the list.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca’s squad is also stretched thin.The Blues will be without the suspended Liam Delap, who was sent off on his return from injury in the midweek cup game, a blow Maresca described as "embarrassing" for the player.
In attack, the influential Cole Palmer remains a long-term absentee. Chelsea’s defense is also hampered by serious injuries to Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill.
On a positive note, Chelsea has been trying to protect several key players. João Pedro (groin), Enzo Fernández, and Moises Caicedo are all available for the derby after being rested or used sparingly in midweek.
Overall Status 11+ first-team players likely out Shorter list but key absences
Key Returns Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Wilson Odobert (fit) João Pedro, Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo (available)
Key Absences Dominic Solanke, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Archie Gray Cole Palmer (injured), Liam Delap (suspended), Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile (injured)
Tactical Setup Likely 4-2-3-1; Kudus & Simons key in attack Key midfielders Fernandez & Caicedo returning
Current Form and League Standing
Tottenham currently sits 3rd in the Premier League with 17 points from 9 games,a record of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 2 defeats. They are coming off a 2-0 loss to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup. Chelsea is in 9th place with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws, 3 losses). They head into this match with momentum from a thrilling 4-3 cup win over Wolves.
The history between these two clubs heavily favors the Blues.Of the 72 matches played since 1995, Chelsea has won 42, while Tottenham has only managed 10 victories, with 20 matches ending in a draw. This dominance is even more pronounced in recent times; in the last ten Premier League meetings, Chelsea has won seven, lost just one, and drawn two.
With both teams missing key attackers,the midfield battle will be crucial. The return of Fernandez and Caicedo for Chelsea will provide stability, while Tottenham will rely on the duo of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur to control the game.
Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Palhinha, Bentancur; Kudus, Simons, Bergvall; Kolo Muani.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Joao Pedro, Neto; Guiu.
This match will be a test of character. Tottenham, playing at home and higher in the table, will feel the pressure to break their poor run against Chelsea and compensate for their many absences. Chelsea, with recent psychological superiority in this fixture, will look to exploit any frustration.
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