Chelsea Trio Returns Ahead of Midweek Derby Against Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea hosts midweek London Derby as Tottenham Hotspur travel to Stamford Bridge to face the blues in the Premier League. Enzo Maresca has been handed an injury boost ahead of their clash with Spurs after three of the Blues attacking stars were confirmed to return from injury.

In his press conference ahead of the fixture, Maresca stated: “Cole is better, Noni better, Nico is better they are all good.”

While there was no guarantee the trio would start, fans will be happy to see the injury load reduced. Chelsea’s attack has thinned since Christmas, with players picking up more consistent injuries than at the start of the season. Christopher Nkunku and Pedro Neto have rotated in the striker role, with neither player finding enough success to cement a consistent starting position. Nicolas Jackson’s availability will give the team a traditional striker mould to play off and link up with.

If Noni Madueke comes back into the starting lineup, it could allow Chelsea to play the direct style they consistently displayed in the first half of the season. A player willing to run in behind and drive directly towards the goal should make the Blues more threatening. The wingers they have used recently could be accused of preferring to play with their backs towards goal with a passive and slow approach.

Maresca addressed this in his conference and assured that Chelsea’s recent slower attack is not an issue of personnel but rather a reaction to opposition strategies: “The last games at home, if you review, Leicester, West Ham, Southampton, Wolves, if you have a reminder of that game, they were all games where 11 players were behind the ball.

“It’s impossible to attack quick. Against teams that press higher, you can attack more quick for sure.”

Despite Reece James’ positive form for England and recent consistency, he is still a player Maresca feels needs extra care: “You know he is a player you need to be careful with him in this moment. And we want him fit to the end [of the season], so we will manage him to the end.”

James should start against Spurs alongside the same back-four that started at the Emirates against Arsenal. They struggled at Arsenal however, that was their first game starting together in two years. It takes time to gel a strong defence and injuries have robbed them of precious game time. Each player has shown their ability, with Marc Cucurella particularly impressive this season, however, it could take until the end of this campaign to unearth this defence’s potential.

For Postecoglou’s side, Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso will miss Thursday’s game due to injury. Richarlison was also rumoured to return to the squad, with no other new injury updates.

Spurs head into this game on a run of bad form, with one win in their last five games. Just as the Blues went into the international break off a loss, the Lilywhites also suffered defeat against Fulham. Regardless of the form of either side, this game will bring out fire and intensity, however, Chelsea will feel like they have the edge due to their historically favourable form over Spurs.

A win for Maresca’s side is essential in the race for Champions League football. They play last out of their competitors this game week and will want to maintain their position. If they lose on Thursday and results do not go their way, Chelsea could potentially fall to 7th in the League.

CHE Predicted XI: R. Sanchez, R. James (C), W. Fofana, L. Colwill, M. Cucurella, M. Caicedo, E. Fernandez, P. Neto, C. Palmer, N. Madueke, N. Jackson.

TOT Predicted XI: G. Vicario, D. Spence, C. Romero (C), M. Van De Ven, D. Udogie, R. Bentancur, Y. Bissouma, J. Maddison, B. Johnson, H. Son, D. Solanke.