Chelsea team news: Predicted XI vs Tottenham as £38m man axed and Fernandez decision made

Chelsea are currently riding the crest of a wave with Wednesday’s big win over Southampton cutting the gap to leaders Liverpool to seven points. The 5-1 result for Enzo Mzeresca’s men made it nine points from nine in the Premier League, and suddenly has the Italian fending off questions regarding a potential title challenge.

Sunday represents a stern test in their bid to maintain momentum though, with a trip to face London rivals Tottenham.

Maresca tinkered with his starting line-up at St Mary’s, making seven changes to the team that beat Aston Villa on Sunday, and is expected to reinstall a number of regular starters tomorrow.

Chelsea predicted XI vs Tottenham

Goalkeeper – Sanchez

Filip Jorgensen being given the nod at Southampton on Wednesday prompted intrigue as to whether the under-fire Robert Sanchez had lost his starting berth long-term. However, Maresca has since confirmed the Spaniard will be in the XI at Tottenham.

Defence – Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella

Marc Cucurella was the only defender to keep his place from the win over Aston Villa, and having been one of the club’s most formidable performers this season, is certain to be on the left again on Sunday. 

However, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill should come back to the heart of the back four, in place of £38million man Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo. Amid Reece James’ latest injury blow, Malo Gusto should continue at right-back.

Midfield – Caicedo, Lavia

Maresca has rarely delved away from his 4-2-3-1 formation this season, and has spoken glowingly of late of the blossoming partnership between holding midfielders Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Enzo Fernandez replaced Lavia on Wednesday and impressed in the Southampton rout, but the World Cup winner is unlikely to keep his place.

The Italian manager will be all too aware of Tottenham’s threat going forward, and won’t want gaps in midfield. Caicedo and Lavia will be deployed to blunt the likes of James Maddison.

Forwards – Madueke, Palmer, Sancho

With the exception of certain starter Cole Palmer, Maresca has decisions to make in this department. Jadon Sancho is finally justifying his loan move from Manchester United, starting against Villa before a scoring appearance from the bench in midweek, and should be back in the XI tomorrow.

Whether the pair are joined by Noni Madueke or Pedro Neto remains to be seen, with both stating their case in recent games. Given his form throughout the season, Madueke should get the nod.

Striker – Jackson

Christopher Nkunku was given a rare chance to start a Premier League game this week, and as he’s done regularly in the Europa Conference League, he scored. But don’t expect his goal to prompt a big change tomorrow – Nicolas Jackson is much improved with eight league goals this season and clearly, is Maresca’s main No.9.