Chelsea players celebrate against Ajax in the Champions League. (Getty Images)
Chelsea host London rivals Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday hoping to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Blues must push themselves up and prepare for the visit of Jose Mourinho’s Spurs after getting beaten 2-0 by Manchester United on Monday. The pressure is building on them after their defeat to Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, as they now sit just one point clear in fourth place.
That makes the game against Tottenham, who are their nearest rivals currently, pivotal. Frank Lampard will be desperate to secure a positive result and solidify their position in the top four.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Tammy Abraham, Andreas Christensen and Christian Pulisic are all doubful for this weekend’s Premier League clash.
N’Golo Kante’s fitness will be Lampard’s biggest concern after the midfielder suffered an adductor injury in Monday’s loss to Man United. Pulisic has missed the previous six weeks with a groin problem. He is short of match fitness and will be assessed ahead of the weekend.
Caballero has conceded four goals in the last two league games he’s played ahead of Kepa. Regardless, Lampard could stick with the veteran Argentinean.
The youngster has improved a lot under the guidance of Frank Lampard this season. James will most likely be seen at right wing-back at the weekend.
Chelsea’s defensive lynchpin, Rudiger will have to be at the top of his game to keep the in-form Spurs at bay.
Zouma has blown hot and cold this season but since Chelsea could go with three at the back, the Frenchman might start.
Christensen broke his nose against Man United, so Lampard will likely not risk the Dane and go with Tomori in the three-man backline.
Azpilicueta has shown signs of ageing but he continues to be a reliable figure at the back for Lampard. The skipper should start at left wing-back.
With Kante likely to miss out, Jorginho will be tasked with shielding the backline and controlling the game from a deeper position in the midfield.
Kovacic had a solid game against Man United on Monday and will partner Jorginho in the middle of the park.
Mount is a creative player who’ll be key in opening up the Spurs backline on Saturday.
Willian has been a player reborn under Lampard and is likely to start at the weekend. The Brazilian will look to cause problems for the Spurs defenders with his burst of pace and movement.
Giroud came on as a substitute and scored a goal against United, only to be cancelled out by VAR for offside. The Frenchman could receive just his third league start of the season.
