Tottenham face off against Chelsea on Monday evening in a London derby rarely more explosive.
Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino will sit in the away dugout for the first time as a manager in N17 as he looks to reverse his side’s form in the most unwelcome of surroundings. Pochettino oversaw Spurs’ best period in decades during over five years in charge – culminating in a Champions League final – but returns as an enemy.
Ange Postecoglou, meanwhile, has taken his new squad to the top of the Premier League thanks to the best ever start to a season by a newly appointed manager. He will know another victory under the lights will be the most important of the lot, by a distance.
The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.
Tottenham vs Chelsea team news
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Postecoglou gave Destiny Udogie a “50-50” chance of being fit but noted there was still plenty of time for the left-back to further recover from a recent knock. Rather concerningly, deputy left-back Ben Davies has been ruled out of the game.
Yves Bissouma escaped a fifth yellow card of the season last time out, so should start in midfield alongside Pape Sarr. Rodrigo Bentancur continues to work back to full fitness after nine months out with a serious knee injury, but should make the squad after a late cameo in the win at Crystal Palace.
Brennan Johnson is pushing to replace Richarlison on the left-hand side of Spurs’ attack.
Mykhailo Mudryk should be available for Chelsea after returning to full training in the days before the game.
Elsewhere, Christopher Nkunku hopes to be back before the end of November but this game will come too soon. The same can be said for midfielder Romeo Lavia and Ben Chilwell. All other injuries are longer-term.