The London derby promises goals: prediction for Chelsea vs Tottenham
The friendly clash between Chelsea and Tottenham is set for August 1 in Sydney. Both London sides are holding their preseason camps in Australia, but while the Blues will play just their second warm-up match, this will already be the fourth summer outing for Spurs.
Chelsea: explosive attack and a defense still vulnerable
Xabi Alonso’s side kicked off their preparations for the new season with a spectacular 6-4 win over Western Sydney Wanderers. The result highlighted Chelsea’s tremendous attacking potential, but once again exposed their issues off the ball.
The Blues have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six outings, and both teams have found the net in five of those six matches. Still, Chelsea have traditionally been dominant against Tottenham: their most recent 2-1 triumph marked a sixth straight victory in this derby.
Chelsea ended last season on a shaky note, winning just one of their final nine Premier League fixtures. However, that lone victory came against Spurs, a psychological boost for the hosts heading into this contest.
Tottenham: De Zerbi gradually changing the team’s mood
After back-to-back 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, Tottenham have entered a new era under Roberto De Zerbi. Summer signings and early preseason results have given fans plenty of reasons for optimism.
Spurs edged MK Dons 1-0, beat Auckland City 2-0, and then drew 1-1 with Sydney FC. That means Tottenham are unbeaten in four consecutive matches, and have scored in each of their three summer friendlies.
Defensively, the visitors have looked more solid than their rivals: Tottenham have conceded an average of just 0.67 goals over their last six matches. Yet in meetings with Chelsea, this stability often falters, and the desire to break their poor head-to-head run could see Spurs play more boldly than usual.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Chelsea have won the last six matches against Tottenham.
- Both teams have scored in five of Chelsea’s last six fixtures.
- Tottenham have found the net in all three of their preseason matches this summer.
Goal exchange looks likely: prediction for Chelsea vs Tottenham
Chelsea have already shown they are willing to play wide open at the start of preseason. Six goals scored in their first friendly is an impressive haul, but conceding four raises fresh questions about Xabi Alonso’s defensive balance.
Tottenham have played more warm-up games and look sharper as a result. De Zerbi’s side create chances in every match and almost never finish scoreless, so in the context of this friendly derby, they could well capitalize on Chelsea’s inconsistent back line.
