Encounters with Chelsea have rarely proven fruitful for Tottenham, but Thomas Frank will know that his team are facing a vulnerable iteration of the Blues on Saturday evening.
Enzo Maresca's positional approach was seized upon by Sunderland last weekend, as the impressive Black Cats claimed a dramatic late victory at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea subsequently returned to winning ways in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, holding off Wolves' second-half resurgence to win 4-3.
Spurs, on the contrary, exited the competition after a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle. Frank's men performed well in spells, but AntonÃn Kinsky's error for the Magpies' second stifled our hopes of coming from behind on Tyneside.
The hosts head into Saturday's game three points better off than their London rivals, who are down in ninth in a compact Premier League after nine games. However, the Blues have so often asserted their superiority complex to great effect in this fixture, and they've won nine of the previous 11 meetings.
Thus, a victory for Spurs here has the potential to truly ignite Thomas Frank's reign after a bright enough start.
Here's our preview of Saturday's London derby.
Tottenham vs Chelsea: Preview, Prediction & Lineups
What time does Tottenham vs Chelsea kick off?
Tottenham vs Chelsea kicks off on Saturday 1 November at 17:30 BST.
When is kick off? Saturday 1 November, 2025
What time is kick off? 17:30 BST
Where is it played? Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London
Referee:Â Jarred Gillett
Tottenham vs Chelsea head-to-head record (last five games)
How to watch Tottenham vs Chelsea on TV & live stream
Tottenham team news
Frank has confirmed that Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Wilson Odobert are all available for selection on Saturday after brief absences. Romero and Udogie have missed the previous four games due to their injury setbacks, while a side strain kept Odobert out out action over the past week.
Chelsea's issues against man-oriented back threes means we could see Romero join a defence that also contains Kevin Danso. Pedro Porro and Djed Spence may operate as wing-backs, with Udogie ready to make an impact off the bench.
Despite welcoming three back, the injury list remains lengthy. James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Archie Gray, Yves Bissouma, Radu DrÄguÈin, Kota Takai and Ben Davies are all out. Dominic Solanke won't be back until after the international break.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs Chelsea:Â Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Bentancur, Palhinha, Spence; Simons; Kudus, Kolo Muani.
Chelsea team news
Liam Delap's quick-fire double yellow on Wednesday night means he's suspended for Saturday's game, but the Englishman was unlikely to start anyway, having just recovered from a knee injury. João Pedro should lead the visitors' line despite his dip in form.
Cole Palmer is still out, and Chelsea also have Benoît Badiashile, Dário Essugo and Levi Colwill on the sidelines.
Brazilian pair Andrey Santos and Estêváo may have played their way into Saturday's XI after impressing at Molineux. Wesley Fofana could return to Chelsea's defence.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Tottenham: Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Santos; Estêváo, Fernández, Neto; Pedro.
Tottenham vs Chelsea score prediction
My head is telling me that Chelsea show up, as they almost always do in this fixture, and walk away with three points. However, my heart is giving me hope.
Frank has a good record against the Blues (W3, D3, L2), and his adaptability matches up well against Maresca's rigid approach, which can be easy to game plan for. Spurs will go man-to-man in a bid to stifle Chelsea, and we saw Sunderland get the better of the Blues through the astute positioning of their full-backs.
There's plenty of quality within the visitors' ranks, but I think Frank could outmanoeuvre his opposite number and inspire the hosts to a rare triumph against our London rivals. It could be a special night under the lights in N17.