Everything to Know about Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Schedule, How to Watch
Both clubs seek a strong finish to their season in a London Derby with Champions League implications for the Blues.
In a highly anticipated London Derby week 30 matchup, bitter rivals Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are set to clash in a late-season Premier League battle, the results of which may be crucial in determining whether the Blues can land a coveted UEFA Champions League spot.
With multiple teams – including Pep Guardiola’s former Treble-winning Manchester City squad – clustered around Chelsea in the standings, there’s literally no room for error for manager Enzo Maresca. After suffering a largely lifeless defeat to Arsenal last time out, Chelsea enter the Tottenham match sitting in sixth place, but just two points behind Manchester City and one point behind Newcastle. They're just a point ahead of Aston Villa and two points clear of Brighton in seventh and eighth place, respectively. It's a crowded battle for a top-four (or top-five) spot that would clinch Champions League football, to say the least.
If Maresca is feeling a tinge of heat, then Ange Postecoglou is feeling the burn of a full-blown supernova. After admitting that the Spurs suffered “enormous setbacks” this season that can be traced back to starting this year’s campaign in the “wrong” way, one that the Aussie manager further added left them “chasing [their] tails ever since,” it’s clear that Postecoglou’s tenure is in jeopardy, regardless of Tottenham's unrelenting carousel of injuries. Along with Brentford, Tottenham, who reside 15 points below Chelsea, own the unceremonious title of earning the least points in Premier League London derbies – not exactly the pedigree one needs to keep a job in England’s top flight when you’re already in 14th place.
For two Premier League blue bloods like Chelsea and Tottenham, who need no additional catalyst to suit up and gut it out against one another on the pitch, the additional pressure bearing down on both sides should provide ample firepower for a stellar match, so let’s take a look!
When and Where to Watch Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur
The clash between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur kicks off Thursday, April 3 at 3:00 pm ET. Enzo Maresca and the Blues are set to host Ange Postecoglou Spurs at Stamford Bridge in West London. Referee Craig Pawson will call the match while Jarred Gillett will be on VAR. Footy fans can catch all the action on Peacock.
Key Storylines
Home Field Advantage
There’s no denying that the Blues ratchet up their performance on home turf. Chelsea have won their last four league matches when squaring off against opponents at Stamford Bridge – the joint longest run in the Premier League. Furthermore, per Sports Mole, Chelsea have won more Premier League games (36) and scored more league goals (120) against Tottenham than they have versus any other opponent.
Ange Postecoglou Nears the End?
It’s not exactly a secret that Tottenham has failed to live up to expectations this year and, with such disappointment, it should come as no surprise that the Australian manager’s lackluster production has shoved him onto the chopping block. Spurs rest uneasily in 14th place on the table, having lost more than half of their games. Maybe he could salvage his tenure by lifting some hardware for the Europa League, but don’t count it. Relegation might not be a tangible fear, but a loss this time around at Stamford Bridge would mean four in a row for the embattled manager.
Haunted Past
If you’re one to put weight into how history has previously unfolded, Tottenham’s barely treading water when it comes to their grapples with Chelsea. In December, Chelsea bounced back at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to hand Postecoglou, who’s never earned a single point against the Blues, a brutal 4-3 loss despite being up 2-0 at home within the first 18 minutes. The Spurs’ horrendous record of just one win in their last 12 matches against the Blues is the type of lingering dark cloud that clings to you, no matter what.
He’s Official
Head referee Craig Pawson has quite the history with Chelsea. He drew the ire of Blues fans last yea during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Chelsea thought they won from a Axel Disasi goal, but VAR signaled a possible foul in the build-up and Pawson subsequently waved off the tally after a visit to the replay screen.
Sidelined Spurs
Tottenham’s spate of injuries continue to undercut them. After sitting out in their loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage, Radu Dragusin, Kevin Danso, Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison will all, yet again, be relegated to watching from the sideline.
Stars to Watch
Chelsea
In a bit of good news for Enzo Maresca’s side, Noni Madueke and Nicolas Jackson are both listed as available to play. Jackson will be a breath of fresh air to have back in rotation as the Senegal international has netted four goals against Spurs.
After missing Chelsea’s trip to Arsenal before the last international break, Cole Palmer likewise is set to return to the pitch. Having kicked an illness that sidelined him, the brilliant young attacker looks to pick up where he left off as an integral part of the Blues’ offensive plans.
Reece James is officially back, and if you doubt it, look no further than his stunning free-kick goal in England’s 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Latvia. The Chelsea captain had been recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered back in November.
Tottenham Hotspur
In a record he’d surely like to end, forward Son Heung-min has not registered an assist in the 17 matches he’s played against Chelsea – the most times he’s faced a side in competition without recording a helper, per Opta Analyst. That doesn’t bode well for a front line whose offensive production continues to be shrouded in uncertainty.
If he’s given the green light, Micky Van de Ven could play a pivotal role Thursday. That said, fitness will surely be an issue after his extensive time away from the pitch, due to an injury.
Lucas Bergvall’s not a name you seen thrown around a lot, but the 19-year-old midfielder strikes an imposing figure when he’s in the lineup. Now that he’s kicked an illness, the Swede faces the task of ensuring his stamina is up for a long and hard-fought match.
Cristian Romero recently returned to the pitch, reminding everyone why the Argentine defender is in high demand by both Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid. Romero's ability to wreak havoc on the left flank could prove key to Tottenham's game plan.
