Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur

Stamford Bridge forms the backdrop for an all-London Premier League showdown between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

Jorginho’s first-half penalty made the difference as Chelsea squeezed past Everton 1-0 on the opening weekend despite a rusty performance. Still on the lookout for reinforcements after losing several first-team regulars in the summer, manager Thomas Tuchel is keen to build on Chelsea’s resounding home record against Tottenham. Indeed, the ‘Pensioners’ have only lost one of their last 37 competitive H2Hs at the Bridge (W24, D14), courtesy of a 3-1 downing in April 2018. However, Chelsea’s fortunes in home London derbies have since changed, with the ‘Blues’ losing twice in the last three such outings (W1), as many defeats as in their previous 17 (W12, D3). Yet, an ongoing seven-game unbeaten Premier League run against Tottenham (W6, D1) waxes lyrical about Chelsea’s hopes of making it two from two at the start of the season.

In the meantime, visiting Tottenham Hotspur came from behind to turn an early 1-0 deficit into an overwhelming 4-1 home victory over Southampton on matchday one. After serving a one-game ban against the ‘Saints,’ marquee signing Richarlison could make his Premier League debut for ‘Spurs’ as they look to defy their abysmal scoring record against Chelsea. Antonio Conte’s men have failed to get on the scoresheet in six of their last seven top-flight meetings with fellow London rivals, losing both seasonal H2Hs in 2021/22 by 2+ goals ‘to nil.’ But there’s a piece of history up for grabs as Tottenham are one win away from joining the 100-win club when it comes to London derbies in the Premier League. After winning their last four league games by an aggregate score of 13-1, they must be feeling confident.