Tottenham vs Chelsea – Premier League London Derby Preview

Mourinho v Tuchel

The big news of the match is of course Thomas Tuchel taking over at Chelsea in the new year. Given Tottenham coach  José Mourinho’s special relationship with both Chelsea and previous manager Frank Lampard, it was always going to make this meeting a bit different. However, Tuchel and Mourinho are both about to face something neither do very often, a completely new opponent. Tuchel and Mourinho have never faced each other and that just adds to what should be a great Derby.

Both Teams Dealing With Injuries

Both Chelsea  and Tottenham are dealing with some injuries – like everyone – at this point in the season. Chelsea are expected to be without Kai Havertz and Kurt Zooma. The loss of Zooma in particular may be a boost for Spurs as he played well in the last match-up between the two clubs. Havertz has been integrating with the club since coming in from Germay and have managed five goals and six assists in all competitions so he will be missed, but Chelsea is deep in attack. The Blues are expected to have Hakim Ziyech back after he was out over the weekend.

Tottenham have a whole slew of injuries and unfortunately for Spurs many are in the same position. Dele Alli, Giovani Lo Celso, and Harry Kane all like to play in some variation of a number 10, false 9, attacking midfielder role. The problem is none of the three will be available on Thursday. It is possible Dele is back at the weekend, but more likely the soonest Spurs see either he or Kane is Everton next week. Lo Celso is expected to be out even longer.

Besides the three missing attackers, Tottenham are also likely to be without Sergio Reguilón. The young left back has provided some additional pop in Spurs attack and brings a bit more aggression and athleticism to the position than does Ben Davies. Davies can do a job, Reguilón can do a lot more and is another big blow.