Bet of the Day: Chelsea v Tottenham: Spurs' revival to fall flat at the Bridge

Serious Chelsea building momentum

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Saturday 24 October, 17:30
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Following a bad-tempered 2-0 win at previously unbeaten Everton, Xabi Alonso described the performance of his Chelsea team as serious and mature. The victory featured their first clean sheet of the Premier League campaign (their first for 23 top-flight matches), and the Blues are in the Champions League spots after securing back-to-back wins.

The rise of Jordan Henderson's influence within this team is fascinating, and there are parallels to be drawn with the role of Granit Xhaka in Xabi Alonso's double-winning team at Bayer Leverkusen. Like Xhaka, Henderson is an experienced leader who can knit a midfield together and get his team through tough moments in matches. The former Liverpool captain scored twice in the 5-1 win over Bournemouth and his free-kick led to Pedro Neto's second goal at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Alongside Henderson, Moises Caicedo continues to be a force of nature. The Ecuadorean nearly broke the crossbar against Everton with a violent volley, and his intensity in midfield helps build a platform for the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.

Our friends at Opta tell us that Chelsea are looking to win three straight Premier League games for the first time since February, but they have every reason to be confident against their London foes. The Blues have won their last six Premier League matches against Spurs, their best run against them since 2002, and Tottenham have won on just one of their last 36 league visits to Stamford Bridge.

While first-choice keeper Emi Martinez recovers from jaw surgery, 21-year-old Mike Penders will deputise, and it's been clear for a while now that the Belgian is the future of Chelsea's goalkeeping position. He was excellent out on loan at Strasbourg, and he will make his first Premier League start in this derby.

Alonso isn't expected to make many changes to his starting XI.

Spurs buoyant after first win, but plenty of work remains

On the face of it, Monday night's 3-1 win for Tottenham over Coventry City was a roaring success. James Maddison scored a stunning goal on his first Premier League start of the season, Omar Marmoush blasted in his first Tottenham goal and the much-loved Dejan Kulusevski returned to action after 526 days out with a knee injury.

However, Spurs' first Premier League victory of the campaign still featured some shaky moments. Newly promoted Coventry equalised early in the second half, and were pushing hard to take control of the game. Marmoush's goal to restore the lead was controversial, as he clearly caught Sky Blues defender Milan van Ewijk in the face as he looked to turn.

It's also concerning how little depth Tottenham have in the centre-forward position. Dominic Solanke is the first choice, but he only has two competitive goals, and beyond him you are looking at players like Marmoush or Mathys Tel who are perhaps better suited to other positions.

That's not to say that Monday wasn't a positive step. Roberto De Zerbi needed to get that first league win of the season to dial down the external noise, and Maddison's performance was impressive. Jan Paul van Hecke had a more convincing game at centre-back (especially on the ball) and Archie Gray was impressive in multiple positions.

Pedro Porro is expected to return after a hamstring problem, while Destiny Udogie could return at left-back. Lucas Bergvall and Savio are still absent.

Chelsea v Tottenham Tip 1 - Brilliant Brazilian to strike

In my Premier League Golden Boot preview, I put forward Chelsea striker Joao Pedro as an option at 16/117.00. The Brazilian - who should have been chosen ahead of Neymar to go to the World Cup - has already rattled in five top-flight strikes this term. Only Man City machine Erling Haaland has more.

Joao Pedro should thrive here against a Spurs defence that has leaked ten goals in seven league matches, and I like the 2.285/4 on offer via the Betfair Exchange for him to score at any time. The former Brighton striker has three Premier League goals against Tottenham in three previous meetings.

Chelsea v Tottenham Tip 2 - Caicedo part of 9/52.80 treble

We'll put together a Bet Builder here at 9/52.80 on the Sportsbook. Firstly I'll back Chelsea/Draw Double Chance - the Blues have won four and drawn one of their five competitive home games under Xabi Alonso, and Spurs have an abysmal record at Stamford Bridge.

I'll go for Over 2.5 Goals too. That has paid out in six of Chelsea's seven Premier League matches this term.

Finally, let's back the recently-returned Moises Caicedo to have four or more foul involvements. The Ecuadorean battler has had two Premier League starts, and was involved in four fouls against Bournemouth and five against Everton.

Now read our other Premier League previews here!