Chelsea vs Tottenham: prediction, H2H and probable lineups — 19.05.2026
One of the fiercest derbies of the thirty-seventh round of the English Premier League will take place on Tuesday at Stamford Bridge in London, where Chelsea will host Tottenham. For the home side, this is a golden opportunity to stay in the European race after a tough spell, while for the visitors, it's a chance to finally move clear of the relegation zone and avoid a nerve-wracking season finale.
Match preview
Chelsea approach the derby in a state of emotional contrast: the team already knows that Xabi Alonso will take charge in the summer, but for now, Callum MacFarlane continues to steer the ship. Since Liam Rosenior’s dismissal, the Blues managed to defeat Leeds in the FA Cup and snatch points from Liverpool in the Premier League, but their winless streak in the league has now stretched to seven matches, six of which ended in defeat.
Another blow to their plans was Joao Pedro’s injury in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, where Chelsea lost 0-1 after pouring everything into their last attempt at silverware this season. On the bright side, the return of Robert Sanchez, Alejandro Garnacho, and Pedro Neto gives MacFarlane more tactical flexibility: healthy flanks could be crucial in the derby with Tottenham, as pace between the lines may prove the hosts’ main weapon.
Under Roberto De Zerbi, Tottenham have gradually shaken off their panic and picked up points in four consecutive rounds - a precious run in the battle for survival. West Ham’s loss at Newcastle eased the pressure on Spurs: given their goal difference, a single point from their remaining two matches should be enough to secure Premier League status.
Still, a draw with an unmotivated Leeds last time out left a bitter aftertaste: the team looks more focused, but still not fully immune to lapses. The return of James Maddison from a serious injury and the expected appearance of Dominic Solanke bolster their attacking options, though seven players remain sidelined, continuing to limit De Zerbi’s selection choices.
Probable lineups
- Chelsea: Sanchez, Cucurella, Colwill, Fofana, Gusto, Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez, Palmer, Neto, Delap.
- Tottenham: Kinski, Porro, Danso, Micky van de Ven, Udogie, Bentancur, Palhinha, Gallagher, Kolo Muani, Tel, Solanke.
Key facts and head-to-head
- Chelsea have won ten of their last twelve head-to-head matches against Tottenham.
- The Blues have beaten Spurs in each of the last five meetings with an aggregate score of 12:4.
- Tottenham have collected 26 points away from home this Premier League season - only Arsenal and Manchester City have done better on the road.
- No more than 3 goals have been scored in 6 of the last 7 Premier League meetings at Chelsea's ground (1 push).
- Tottenham have avoided a corner handicap defeat (0) in 9 of the last 11 Premier League head-to-heads at Chelsea (6 wins, 3 pushes).
- No more than 4 yellow cards have been shown in 7 of the last 9 Premier League meetings at Chelsea's ground.
Prediction
This derby arrives for Chelsea at a moment when the team desperately need not just a result, but a psychological reset. The news of Xabi Alonso's impending arrival could give the dressing room an emotional boost, and the returns of Neto and Garnacho make the hosts’ attack far less predictable.
Tottenham have become more resilient under De Zerbi and look far more confident away than at home, but against Chelsea, Spurs have suffered too many painful scenarios in recent years. I expect a tight, cagey affair where every mistake is costly, and the hosts - thanks to home advantage, motivation, and a dominant head-to-head record - could just edge a narrow victory.
