The Football Faithful

Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur do battle tonight in a Premier League London Derby at Stamford Bridge.

There’s often no lack of incident when these teams meet, with plenty of needle between the capital neighbours. Ahead of tonight’s tie, we’ve selected our Chelsea and Tottenham Combined XI from the two squads.

Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham

Chelsea’s goalkeeping situation has been farcical with the Blues adding an eighth goalkeeper to their ranks with the arrival of teenager Mike Penders from Genk in August. Despite that, none of the current options have convinced, with Enzo Maresca still deciding between the error-prone Robert Sanchez and unproven Filip Jorgensen.

Spurs ‘keeper Guglielmo Vicario has some doubters when it comes to command of his box but the Italian is a quaity shot-stopper. He leads the Premier League for xG prevented (4.6) despite missing over two months with an ankle injury.

Right-back: Reece James – Chelsea

Chelsea’s captain celebrated a first England goal during the break and what a goal. A fantastic free-kick from James was a reminder of the talent that injuries have so badly prevented from being on show regularly in recent seasons. When fit, he’s one of the best in the business.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham

Spurs’ struggles this season have been in large part due to the absence of key figures. Cristian Romero’s recurring issues have been problematic with the centre-back a crucial part of the plan in North London. The 26-year-old is commanding, aggressive and a real leader. He’s been a pivotal part of Argentina’s recent international success.

Centre-back: Micky Van de Ven – Tottenham

Like Romero, Van de Ven has not taken to the pitch nearly enough this season. The Dutch defender was a revelation in his debut campaign, earning Tottenham’s Player of the Season award in 2023/24. There’s arguably no defender in Europe with his blend of speed and strength.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

From forgotten flop to mainstay, Marc Cucurella has had some turnaround at Chelsea. The left-back shone during last season’s run-in before starring as Spain won Euro 2024 in the summer, earning inclusion in the Team of the Tournament. He’s remained integral under Enzo Maresca, inverting into midfield alongside displays of the drive that persuaded Chelsea to bring him in from Brighton in the first place.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea

Moises Caicedo is another big-money buy who took time to settle but he’s flourishing now. The Ecuadorian’s energy and tenacious defensive work have impressed this season, with Caicedo, arguably, Chelsea’s Player of the Season. He ranks among the Premier League’s top players for passes into the final third (3rd), tackles won (7th), dribblers tackled (7th), interceptions (8th) and percentage of aerial duels won (8th) this season. So consistent.

Midfield: Enzo Fernandez – Chelsea

Like many of Chelsea’s recent signings, Enzo Fernandez has had to handle the weight of an inflated price tag. The World Cup winner has grown in stature, however, leading the Premier League for chances created in March. During the international break, he was outstanding as Argentina thrashed Brazil 4-1 to secure World Cup qualification.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

It feels like James Maddison must continually prove a point at the moment. Whether it’s well-documented comments from pundits or omissions from the England squad, Maddison is yet to convince all. That said, the 28-year-old is a match-winner at his best and has a healthy return of 11 goals and seven assists in a struggling side this season. He’s a player Ange Postecoglou must coax more from consistently. The talent is there.

Right-wing: Cole Palmer – Chelsea

A revelation for Chelsea.

Cole Palmer’s meteoric rise has seen him emerge as a poster boy of the Premier League.

The PFA Young Player of the Year last season after a stunning debut campaign, where

he had the most goal involvements (33) of any player in the division.

Despite a recent dip, Palmer has again been excellent this time around. He’s capable of the utterly unpredictable and a throwback to mavericks of a bygone era.

Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham

Heung-min Son might be reaching the latter end of his career but the South Korean will be remembered as a Spurs icon. Son has stayed with Spurs for a decade, despite a talent that should have won the silverware that has been elusive in North London.

He’s returned 16 goals and assists in 21 league starts this season and is on course to breach 20 in a campaign for the sixth time.

Forward: Dominic Solanke – Tottenham

A toss-up between Chelsea forwards past and present. Dominic Solanke has taken a long road back to one of London’s leading clubs, with the highly-regarded Chelsea academy graduate failing to make the first-team grade in West London or at Liverpool before thriving at Bournemouth. He became Tottenham’s record signing last summer and has 11 goals and eight assists for the campaign.

Solanke’s refinement sees him edge out Nicolas Jackson, who despite real potential can combine the sublime with the ridiculous.

Read – Chelsea considering move for Strasbourg striker

See more – Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match preview and team news

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Chelsea entertain Tottenham Hotspur this evening in a fixture that always promises tension, chaos and melodrama.

The Blues are competing for the Champions League places, with many of their close competitors tasting victory over the past few days.

Enzo Maresca’s options have been bolstered by the availability of attacking trio Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke. Palmer missed the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal prior to the international break through a combination of illness and a hamstring issue.

Chelsea have been without the services of Jackson and Madueke for a number of weeks due to muscular injuries. However, Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia is expected to miss out after a recent setback in his recovery.

Tottenham will be attempting to win at Stamford Bridge for only the second time in three decades tonight.

Ange Postecoglou revealed that Kevin Danso and Dejan Kulusevski won’t be ready to play for a couple more weeks. The pair are doubtful for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Frankfurt next week.

Richarlison has been plagued by injury this season, but he has recently returned to light training. The short trip to West London comes too soon for the Brazilian, with the weekend’s action considered a more appropriate time to re-implement the striker into the squad.

Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur – Match preview and team news

Form

Chelsea: WWWWL

The Blues fell to a London derby defeat last time out, as Arsenal narrowly beat them in the capital.

Mikel Merino’s header was the difference at the Emirates Stadium with Chelsea’s performance lacking inspiration.

Chelsea have an important few months ahead domestically and in Europe.

Victories for Newcastle and Manchester City on Wednesday saw them overtake the West Londoners in the table, who have the opportunity to reclaim fourth spot with a win tonight.

Next midweek, they travel to Poland to face Legia Warszawa in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final.

Tottenham: LLDWL

Prior to the international break, Spurs lost for the fifteenth time in the Premier League this season, with Fulham conquering them on this occasion.

It was an evenly-contested affair until Rodrigo Muniz broke the deadlock with less than a quarter of an hour remaining. Former Spurs player Ryan Sessegnon then compounded their misery with a sumptuous second.

That result left Spurs in 14th position and after recent results, the Lilywhites are closer to the relegation zone than the top four.

However, their primary focus has shifted to their Europa League exploits. A two-legged tie with Frankfurt is on the horizon with a place in the final four at stake.

Winning that competition will put an end to Tottenham’s trophy drought while simultaneously earning them a place in the Champions League next season.

Last Meeting: Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea, Premier League, 8th December 2024

Tottenham’s capitulation in the last meeting allowed Chelsea to complete a memorable comeback over their London rivals.

Ange Postecoglou’s side commenced the contest with attacking impetus and were 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes.

Dominic Solanke converted Brennan Johnson’s cross before Dejan Kulusevski drilled into the bottom corner from range.

Comically, both goals came as a result of slips from left-back Marc Cucurella. The European Championship winner changed his footwear and Chelsea’s fortunes soon changed.

Jadon Sancho halved the deficit almost instantly with a tremendous solo effort. The Manchester United loanee skipped inside before firing a strike beyond the substantial reach of Fraser Forster.

In a key flashpoint, Moises Caicedo was perhaps fortunate to escape with only a yellow card for a robust challenge on Pape Matar Sarr.

On the hour mark, a lapse in judgement from Yves Bissouma saw the Malian impede Caicedo inside the box. Cole Palmer stepped up to take the spot-kick and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way.

Spurs looked despondent and the game was heading in only one direction. The hosts succumbed to the pressure when Enzo Fernandez blasted in a half-volley to send the travelling support into raptures.

Ange Postecoglou’s evening went from bad to worse when Sarr petulantly kicked Palmer in the penalty area. The Englishman relished the responsibility once again and sent an audacious chip down the middle. It was executed with an unerring composure that the midfielder has become synonymous with.

Spurs skipper Heung-min Son grabbed a consolation deep into stoppage time, but it couldn’t stop Chelsea from claiming the bragging rights. A seven-goal thriller in North London and a fifth successive victory for the visitors.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto,; Jackson.

Tottenham: Vicario; Spence, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son.

Who is the referee?

Craig Pawson will be the match official. Stuart Burt and James Mainwaring will assist him while Rob Jones will be the fourth official. The VAR will be Jarred Gillett and he will be assisted by Craig Taylor.

What TV channel is Chelsea vs Tottenham on?

Tonight’s London Derby will be televised on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Go UK and NOW UK.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Stamford Bridge will be at 20:00 GMT on Thursday 3rd April 2025.

Chelsea vs Tottenham Match Odds

Chelsea: 13/20

Draw: 18/5

Tottenham: 18/5

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Tottenham Hotspur reportedly rejected approaches from Premier League rivals for Dejan Kulusevski in the January transfer window.

Kulusevski has been a positive performer in an otherwise difficult season for the North Londoners. The Sweden international has 10 goals and nine assists across all competitions for Ange Postecoglou’s side.

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Spurs rejected approaches from AC Milan and other Premier League clubs in the January transfer window. Milan expressed interest in bringing the former Juventus player back to Serie A but saw their advances rebuffed by the Spurs hierarchy.

Milan are continuing to monitor Kulusevski. Fabio Paratici, who signed Kulusevski during his time as sporting director at Juventus and Spurs, is a leading candidate to take the same role at the San Siro.

Should that materialise and Spurs miss out on Champions League qualification, a move for Kulusevski will be pursued. Spurs are currently 14th in the Premier League table but could secure Champions League qualification by winning the Europa League. The North Londoners face Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next month.

Spurs signed Kulusevski on an initial loan deal in January 2022 before making the move permanent for a fee of €35m (£29.2m). According to the report, the Premier League side will not consider bids below €50m (£42m) for the 24-year-old.

Read – The 10 best left-backs in the world right now

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Tottenham Hotspur travel to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League’s last 16 this evening.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are targeting the trophy in this competition. Amid a difficult Premier League campaign, success in Europe represents the club’s last chance of silverware and the most realistic avenue to European qualification for next season.

Spurs progressed in fourth place in the league phase, a campaign that included a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in North London.

Postecoglou’s side now face a reunion with AZ, who caused an upset by eliminating Galatasaray in the play-off round. In the ranks of the Dutch side is Troy Parrott, who left Spurs for the Netherlands last summer in a £6.7m deal. Parrott has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season and was the Eredivisie’s Player of the Month for December.

Tottenham XI vs AZ Alkmaar – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham team news

Ange Postecoglou has received a huge boost ahead of tonight’s clash with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke having all travelled. The key trio are back available after long spells on the sidelines. However, Postecoglou is likely to take a cautious approach to their reintroduction.

Dejan Kulusevki was pictured in a protective boot this week and is a doubt, while Radu Dragusin (ACL) and Richarlison are out. Antonin Kinsky, Fraser Forster, Sergio Reguilon and Timo Werner are all ineligible after being left out of the Europa League squad. Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have been added after arriving in January.

Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup

Spurs predicted XI: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Spence; Sarr, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son.

When is AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham?

AZ Alkmaar host Tottenham in the Europa League’s last 16 on Thursday 6th March 2025. Kick-off at the AFAS Stadion is 17:45 GMT

What TV channel is AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham on?

AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham will be available to watch on TNT Sports 3 and Discovery+ UK.

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The best football posts from social media this past week. Trust us, we picked them ourselves.

Everton simply cannot be relegated from the Premier League. It won’t happen.

Read – Moyes celebrates ‘dream start’ to second Everton stint

Mecca (A) in the El Churchico is the best fixture in the football calendar.

Charlie’s bed ridden grandad the second he won the golden ticket to the chocolate factory.

Read – The goalkeepers with mosts assists in Premier League history

“It means you’re a racist poor club” is killing me.

West Ham United fans should probably be more concerned with their team’s proximity to the Premier League dropzone, but this is still funny.

Kim Jong-un has reportedly banned anyone in the DPRK from watching Spurs matches. To be fair, he might be doing them a favour.

Bryan’s Gunn, you’ve done it again.

They should do this for real, though. Chris Wood deserves it.

AC Milan helped Kyle Walker with his pre-match routine of pretending he’s Triple H.

Does Roy Keane even like or enjoy football?

A month after Plymouth Argyle terminated his contract, this is how Adam Forshaw celebrated his winning goal for Blackburn Rovers against his former club.

A huge show of solidarity with the people of Palestine.

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Everton host Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park this Sunday with both sides desperate for a win.

David Moyes’ homecoming was spoilt by Aston Villa in the Toffees’ last game as they lost 1-0 at Goodison Park. Dwight McNeil, James Garner and Armando Broja are still out while club captain Seamus Coleman is a doubt with muscle cramps.

Ange Postecoglou will be demanding a response following a woeful performance against North London rivals Arsenal on Wednesday night.

Ben Davies is set to return to the squad after not featuring since early December. Rodrigo Bentancur is edging closer to full fitness as he follows concussion protocols, but Timo Werner has been added to lengthy injured list. The RB Leipzig loanee is predicted to miss 3-4 weeks of action with a hamstring issue.

Brennan Johnson has a calf complaint while Yves Bissouma is a doubt after the North London Derby. Both players will be assessed ahead of Sunday. Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and Wilson Odobert remain unavailable.

Read – Dele Alli ‘agrees’ deal to return to football after two-year absence

Everton vs Tottenham – Match Preview and team news

Form

Everton: DLLWL

David Moyes could not get off to a positive start in his second spell as Everton manager as his side narrowly lost to Aston Villa. Ollie Watkins scored the only goal of the game as the Toffees failed to score in a Premier League game for the 12th time this campaign.

The Merseyside club are hovering above the relegation zone by a solitary point, but they do have a game in hand after their game against Liverpool was postponed. Only bottom placed Southampton have scored fewer than their 15 goals this season in the top flight.

Tottenham: DLWWL

A dispiriting display from Tottenham saw them lose their third consecutive North London Derby against Arsenal. Heung-min Son’s opener came against the run of play before an own goal and a Leandro Trossard strike saw the Lilywhites go behind.

Spurs only recorded two shots on target with one of them being Son’s deflected effort. That loss at the Emirates means Tottenham have only won one out of their last nine league games, which was a win over bottom of the table Southampton.

Only relegation-threatened sides Wolves (13), Leicester (14) and Southampton (17) have suffered more defeats than Spurs (11) in the league this season.

Read – David Moyes admits Everton need to add quality in transfer window

Last Meeting

Tottenham 4-0 Everton, Premier League, 24th August 2024

A rampant Spurs performance saw them thrash a depleted Everton side in their first home game of the season. The hosts dominated from the first whistle and Jordan Pickford was called into action early on.

The stopper saved Cristian Romero’s volleyed effort before readjusting adroitly to parry Heung-min Son’s deflected shot. But there was nothing Pickford could do about the opener as Yves Bissouma scored his first competitive goal for the club in phenomenal fashion. Neat footwork from Dejan Kulusevski saw him create some space on the edge of the box before Bissouma swept in a curling strike off the crossbar.

A dreadful error from Pickford saw Spurs go two up. Son closed down England’s number one and won the ball back before rolling it into the untended net.

After the interval, Everton recorded their only shot on target through Jesper Lindstrom. On his debut, the Dane fired an effort goalward, but Guglielmo Vicario was equal to it. Romero then gave Ange Postecoglou’s side a sizeable advantage as he powered in a header from James Maddison’s corner.

Spurs weren’t finished there and scored for the fourth time of the afternoon five minutes later. The rapid Micky van de Ven galloped the length of the field before setting up his captain Son who ruthlessly grabbed his brace from an acute angle.

It was a comfortable afternoon in North London for Tottenham who were rarely threatened by Sean Dyche’s Everton.

Read – Postecoglou says Spurs working hard in ‘tricky’ transfer window

Predicted Line-ups

Everton XI: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Onana, Gueye; Lindstrom, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.

Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Porro, Dragusin, Gray, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison; Kulisevsky, Solanke, Son.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Goodison Park will be at 14:00 GMT on Sunday 19th January 2025.

Who is the referee?

Darren England will be the match official. He will be assisted by Marc Perry and Akil Howson while Tony Harrington will be the fourth official. The VAR will be John Brooks and he will be assisted by Scott Ledger.

What TV channel will Everton vs Tottenham be on?

The match will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Ultra, Sky Go UK, NOW UK and Sky Sports+.

Everton vs Spurs match odds

Everton: 9/5

Draw: 5/2

Tottenham: 7/5

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Arsenal host Tottenham Hotspur in the latest instalment of the North London Derby this evening.

One of the most eagerly anticipated fixtures on the Premier League calendar returns, in a contest that rarely lacks entertainment. Arsenal will start as favourites and can move within four points of leaders Liverpool with a win, though Spurs will be keen to derail their rival’s title bid and get a stuttering season back on track.

Ahead of the clash, we’ve picked our Combined XI from the two squads – using only available players.

Arsenal vs Tottenham – North London Derby Combined XI

Goalkeeper: David Raya – Arsenal

Antonin Kinsky has made a solid start at Spurs since arriving from Slavia Prague this month, but the 21-year-old misses out to David Raya for selection here. Raya has grown in importance at Arsenal since arriving from Brentford, winning the Premier League’s Golden Glove last season. He ranks second for clean sheets (7) and third for save percentage (76.1%) in the Premier League this season.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham

Pedro Porro is one of several Spurs players to have endured an up-and-down campaign, but the right-back is a hugely effective option when at his best. The Spaniard has brilliant delivery and has recorded four assists in the Premier League this season. Only Antonee Robinson and Rayan Ait-Nouri have more among defenders.

Despite reservations over his defensive game, Porro ranked second for dribblers tackled across Europe’s top five leagues in 2023/24.

Centre-back: William Saliba – Arsenal

William Saliba’s introduction to the Arsenal side has coincided with the Gunners’ emergence as one of Europe’s best defensive outfits. Composure personified, Saliba has earned consecutive inclusions in the PFA Team of the Year and made The Best FIFA Men’s 11 for 2024. There are not many better centre-backs in world football right now.

Centre-back: Gabriel – Arsenal

Saliba’s central defensive partner joins him in our Combined XI, having formed a rock-like understanding for Arsenal. A straightforward selection given the absences of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, Gabriel has evolved into a dominant presence in both penalty boxes for the Gunners.

Left-back: Jurrien Timber – Arsenal

Jurrien Timber deserves immense credit for the campaign he has put together. After his debut season was decimated by an ACL injury, he’s bounced back in style. The Dutchman is a tenacious defender and cool in possession. His ability to slot in seamlessly across the back four is priceless.

Midfield: Declan Rice – Arsenal

Arsenal need Declan Rice back to his best with the midfielder short of his usual standard right now. Rice, however, can be the driving force of Arsenal’s engine room with intelligent ball-winning and purposeful surges forward. An impactful North London Derby performance will go a long way to returning to form.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

James Maddison is a lovely footballer to watch but, like many of his Spurs teammates, has not quite clicked consistently this season. That said, a return of 12 goals and assists from 14 league starts is a healthy return from the 28-year-old, who Ange Postecoglou needs to coax more from.

Midfield: Martin Odegaard – Arsenal

Arsenal’s chief creator completes our midfield trio. Martin Odegaard is another whose form has not reached previous standards but there have been encouraging glimpses of late. Against Manchester United at the weekend, he created 10 chances – the most by a Premier League player in any game this season. His teammates can not afford to be so wasteful.

Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham

Dejan Kulusevski has been the standout of a struggling Spurs side this season. The Swede combines deceptive strength with nimble footwork, while no Premier League player has covered more ground per 90 (12.4km) than Kulusevski this season. He’s already matched his goal return from last season (8) and has added eight assists. At just 24, the best might still be to come.

Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham

It’s an indicator of the quality of Heung-min Son that some have suggested the South Korean is on the decline this season. The 32-year-old has averaged a Premier League goal or assist every 113 minutes and will be the player Arsenal most fear this evening. Son has scored seven previous goals in the North London Derby.

Forward: Dominic Solanke – Tottenham

Dominic Solanke edges out Kai Havertz for the centre-forward role in our side. Solanke has made a solid start at Spurs since his club-record arrival from Bournemouth, despite a difficult campaign in North London.

Ange Postecoglou admitted recently that Solanke has ‘carried’ the frontline for Spurs on occasion. A return of 11 goals and seven assists is a respectable return as we reach mid-January and he’s got eight goal involvements in eight games against the ‘Big Six’ this season.

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Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou says his players are “giving everything” on the pitch after falling to defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Tottenham enjoyed the majority of possession and took more shots than their opponents, but Anthony Elanga’s first-half goal was the difference between the two sides at the City Ground.

The result means the Lilywhites remain 11th in the Premier League and could drop down even further if Brentford beat Brighton on Friday.

Spurs players ‘giving everything’ as Forest deliver latest blow

“Tight game, not much in it,” Postecoglou told BBC Radio 5 Live . “The way Forest play it was never going to be an open game.

“They scored from their counter-attack and we couldn’t claw it back.

“You kind of know when the game is in the balance and I thought we were in control up until that point [Elanga’s opening goal].”

Forest were just the fourth side to hold Spurs scoreless in a game this season. Postecoglou put their inability to find the net down to a “combination of things”.

“The keeper [Matz Sels] pulled off a couple of good saves and we lacked that opportunity getting a clear cut chance on goal,” the Australian said.

“They’re giving everything at the moment and it is not an easy place to come.”

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Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend, in one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes on the calendar.

The London rivals have similar ambitions for the campaign but are in contrasting form. Ahead of a crucial capital clash in North London, we’ve picked our combined XI from the two squads – using only available players.

Tottenham Hotspur vs Chelsea – Combined XI

Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez – Chelsea

Robert Sanchez has convinced few at Chelsea but the absence of Guglielmo Vicario for Spurs earns the Spaniard the gloves here. Sanchez ranks second in the Premier League for save percentage (81%) this season but is coming under pressure from Filip Jorgensen for the number one shirt.

Right-back: Pedro Porro – Tottenham

Pedro Porro is not alone in struggling in a Spurs shirt right now, and recent form does not warrant inclusion here, but the Spaniard is a player of real quality when at his best. Last season, he ranked in the Premier League’s top 10 players for tackles won, dribblers tackled, crosses and blocks, while scoring three goals and providing seven assists. Ange Postecoglou badly needs the right-back to rediscover that form.

Centre-back: Cristian Romero – Tottenham

Cristian Romero could return to the Spurs side to reinforce a depleted defence. A leader of the side, his aggressive defending and distribution from deep are important to the North Londoners. The World Cup winner has been an integral part of Argentina’s recent tournament successes.

Centre-back: Levi Colwill – Chelsea

Levi Colwill is growing into his role as a senior option at Chelsea. After sporadic appearances last season, he’s settled at centre-back under Enzo Maresca. The 21-year-old is in the Premier League’s top 10 players for progressive passing distance, percentage of dribblers tackled and touches this season.

Left-back: Marc Cucurella – Chelsea

Written off earlier in his Chelsea career, the comeback has certainly been greater than the setback for Marc Cucurella. After a strong run-in last season, the left-back starred in Spain’s Euro 2024 success and has continued to deliver consistently for Chelsea. Whether overlapping or inverting into midfield, he’s a key cog.

Midfield: Moises Caicedo – Chelsea

Another big-money signing on the up at Chelsea. Caicedo candidly admitted he initially struggled under the weight of expectation after his £115m move from Brighton but he has been an all-action force this season.

Enzo Maresca believed the Ecuadorian is among the best defensive midfielders in the division.

Midfield: James Maddison – Tottenham

James Maddison has perhaps epitomised the inconsistency at Spurs. When on it, however, he is a wonderful watch. His performance in the 4-0 win at Manchester City was a reminder of his capabilities and Spurs need to coax that from the midfielder on a regular basis. An England recall beckons if the 28-year-old can find that level consistently.

Midfield: Cole Palmer – Chelsea

Chelsea’s recruitment focus has centred around a constellation of starlets and Cole Palmer’s has shone brightest. The 22-year-old has been a revelation in a Chelsea shirt, emerging as one of the Premier League’s poster-boys at Stamford Bridge. He has 47 goals and assists in the Premier League since his debut last year – more than any other player in the division. The kid is special.

Right-wing: Dejan Kulusevski – Tottenham

Even in an underperforming Spurs side, Dejan Kulusevki has quietly been one of the players of the campaign so far. The Swede is a unique blend of powerful frame and delicate footwork and has produced consistent creativity for the North London side. Only three Premier League players have created more chance than Kulusevski in 2024/25.

Left-wing: Heung-min Son – Tottenham

Still the likeliest avenue to goal for Spurs. The standard Son has set is so high that his campaign has been adjudged below-par even with a record of seven goals and assists in 10 league starts. The South Korean has averaged a goal involvement every 121 minutes so far this season. Imagine when he hits form.

Forward: Nicolas Jackson – Chelsea

A contender for the most improved player of the Premier League campaign. Nicolas Jackson navigated a mixed first season in a Chelsea shirt to bounce back better than ever, silencing the criticism of his early adaptation. He has led the line impressively for Enzo Maresca, refined his finishing, and has shown signs of a player who still has levels to go. It’s 11 goal involvements in 13 appearances for the Senegalese striker this season.

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See more – Tottenham vs Chelsea – Match preview and team news

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Tottenham Hotspur host AS Roma in the Europa League this evening, aiming to bounce back from defeat in Europe last time out.

An enthralling encounter at Galatasaray ended in defeat for the North Londoners, who sit seventh in the standings with nine points won from four games.

At the weekend, Spurs thrashed Manchester City 4-0 at the Etihad in arguably the best performance of Ange Postecoglou’s reign. James Maddison was on target twice against the Premier League champions, with Pedro Porro and Brennan Johnson completing the rout.

Attention now turns back to Europe as Spurs look to secure a top-eight finish and automatic progress into the competition’s Round of 16.

Tottenham vs Roma – Predicted lineup and team news

Tottenham team news

Ange Postecoglou confirmed that Cristian Romero is progressing well from a foot problem but the centre-back is unlikely to feature on Thursday night. Radu Dragusin and Ben Davies will continue to deputise, with Micky van de Ven also sidelined.

Guglielmo Vicario is facing a long spell out after undergoing surgery on a fractured ankle sustained at the weekend. Fraser Forster will come in for the Italian in goal.

Richarlison remains out with a thigh issue, though Rodrigo Bentancur is available despite his seven-match ban in domestic competitions. He should return to the side against Roma. Will Lankshear’s red card against Galatasaray means the young forward is suspended.

Tottenham predicted lineup vs Roma

Spurs predicted XI: Forster; Gray, Dragusin, Davies, Udogie; Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall; Johnson, Solanke, Werner.

When is Tottenham vs Roma?

Tottenham host Roma in the Europa League on Thursday November 28th 2024. Kick-off in North London is 20:00 GMT.

What TV channel is Tottenham vs Roma on?

Spurs vs Roma will be available to watch on TNT Sports 1 and Discovery+.

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