Venue: Stamford Bridge, London
Date: Sunday, April 3rd 2025
Competition: Premier League – Matchweek 30
A classic London derby unfolds at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea host Tottenham, with both teams battling for different ambitions as the season enters its final stretch.
Enzo Maresca’s men remain in a tight race for UEFA Champions League qualification, while Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs are enduring a frustrating mid-table campaign that threatens to define their season.
Chelsea’s Home Comforts
Despite three losses from their last six league outings (W3), Chelsea held onto fourth place heading into the international break, benefiting from their rivals’ inconsistent form.
That said, with several clubs in pursuit, the Blues have little margin for error in their quest for a top-four finish.
A clear pattern has emerged in recent weeks: four home wins and four away defeats in their last eight league games.
If that trend continues, Chelsea will fancy their chances of claiming another three points at home, particularly against an opponent they have dominated in recent years.
The Blues have won nine of their last 12 Premier League encounters with Spurs (D2, L1), including each of the last three by an aggregate score of 10-4.
Furthermore, Chelsea have beaten Tottenham more times in the Premier League than any other side (36 wins).
Tottenham’s Struggles & Priorities
For Tottenham, the 2024/25 season has been a huge disappointment, with a 13-point gap to the top six before this round leaving them unlikely to secure European football via the league.
One of their biggest issues has been poor form in London derbies, with just ten points from nine such games (W3, D1, L5) – the joint-worst tally in the league.
Manager Ange Postecoglou may prioritize their UEFA Europa League campaign, particularly as his “second season trophies” mantra has become the benchmark for his success.
However, his league record against Chelsea has been woeful, and he is in danger of becoming the first Spurs boss to lose his first four league meetings with the Blues.
Key Battles & Tactical Approach
- Chelsea’s attack vs Tottenham’s vulnerable defense: Spurs have conceded ten goals in their last three meetings with Chelsea, exposing their defensive frailties against the Blues.
- Midfield battle: Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will aim to control the tempo, while James Maddison and Rodrigo Bentancur look to drive Spurs forward.
- Wide duels: Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella has been a surprise goal threat at home, while Son Heung-min will be key for Spurs in attack.
Players to Watch
- Marc Cucurella (Chelsea): The Spanish full-back has surprisingly scored in each of Chelsea’s last two home league matches, with all five of his goals this season coming in Stamford Bridge victories.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham): The Spurs captain scored in the reverse fixture (4-3 loss) but has a poor record against Chelsea—managing just three goals, no assists, and five wins from 20 H2Hs (D4, L11).
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson
Tottenham; 4-3-3 – Vicario; Spence, Romero, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Madddison, Bissouma; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
Key Stats
- Chelsea have won nine of their last 12 Premier League meetings against Tottenham (D2, L1).
- Chelsea have won more Premier League matches against Spurs than any other opponent (36).
- Chelsea’s last eight league games have followed a home-win, away-loss pattern.
- Tottenham have won just three of their nine London derbies this season (W3, D1, L5).
- Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is at risk of losing his first four league games against Chelsea.
Where to watch :
United Kingdom: sky sports
United States: Peacock
Canada: Fubo TV
India: JioHotstar
Australia: Optus Sport.
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Tottenham
Conclusion
Given Chelsea’s dominant record against Spurs, their strong home form, and Tottenham’s poor derby results, the Blues should be confident of securing another victory.
While Spurs have the attacking quality to cause problems, Chelsea’s superiority in this fixture and their top-four motivation could prove decisive.