Xabi Alonso To Watch On As Chelsea Host Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea close out their Premier League home campaign on Tuesday night with a high-stakes London derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues attempt to move into the European spots and Spurs edge closer to survival.

There was a sense of transition around Chelsea this week after the club confirmed the appointment of Xabi Alonso on a four-year deal less than 24 hours after their narrow 1-0 FA Cup final defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. Despite the disappointment, Calum McFarlane’s side earned credit for a spirited display against the treble-chasing champions, only undone by Antoine Semenyo’s moment of brilliance.

Chelsea remain mathematically alive in the race for Champions League football, although their margin for error has disappeared. The Blues sit six points behind Bournemouth in sixth and can still sneak into Europe’s elite competition if results elsewhere fall in their favour, particularly involving Aston Villa and the Europa League places.

Last time out in the Premier League, Chelsea travelled to Anfield in an attempt to stop a six-match losing streak. A first-half equaliser from Enzo Fernandez, cancelling out Ryan Gravenberch’s opener, was enough to earn the Blues a point and keep them in the hunt for a European place.

Tottenham arrive in far better form and with survival within touching distance. Roberto De Zerbi has overseen a huge improvement in recent weeks, with Spurs unbeaten in four league matches after two wins and two draws. Their 1-1 stalemate against Leeds United felt frustrating at the time, but results elsewhere ensured they remain two points clear of West Ham with a game in hand.

Their away form has been particularly impressive. Only Arsenal and Manchester City have collected more Premier League away wins than Tottenham’s seven this season, with victories at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa underlining their growing confidence on the road.

Still, Stamford Bridge has been an unhappy venue for Spurs in recent years. Chelsea have won the last five league meetings between the sides, including a 1-0 victory in this fixture last season, and Tottenham have not won a league game away to Chelsea since Mauricio Pochettino was in charge in 2018.

Chelsea’s injury concerns remain significant. Joao Pedro is a major doubt after hurting his leg during the FA Cup final, while Jesse Derry, Estevao Willian, Jamie Gittens and the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk are all unavailable. Romeo Lavia is also struggling with a knock, and Levi Colwill could be rested after consecutive starts following his ACL recovery.

There are some positive developments for the hosts. Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho and Robert Sanchez all returned to action at Wembley, while Neto could come into the side if McFarlane opts not to risk Reece James.

Tottenham are also dealing with a lengthy injury list. Xavi Simons, Dominic Solanke, Ben Davies, Wilson Odobert, Dejan Kulusevski, Mohammed Kudus and Cristian Romero are all sidelined, although James Maddison made his long-awaited return from an ACL injury against Leeds and could see more minutes here.

Maddison drew headlines after criticising referees as “petrified” following a late penalty appeal against Leeds, though his substitute appearance suggested he is not yet ready to start. Meanwhile, Guglielmo Vicario is back from a hernia issue and could challenge Antonin Kinsky for the goalkeeper spot.