The stage is set for a pulsating London derby as Tottenham Hotspur host Chelsea at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 1, 2025. This fixture, renowned for its intensity and unpredictable twists, pits two capital giants with differing recent fortunes against each other. Under new management this season, with Thomas Frank at the helm for Spurs and Enzo Maresca guiding Chelsea, both teams are eager to assert their dominance in a crucial Premier League clash.
Tottenham, currently sitting comfortably in third place in the Premier League table, will be looking to bounce back from a midweek Carabao Cup exit. Chelsea, on the other hand, find themselves ninth in the league but advanced in the Carabao Cup after a thrilling encounter. The question looms large: Can Tottenham overcome their historical struggles against the Blues and capitalize on their home advantage, or will Chelsea continue their derby dominance and climb up the league standings? What’s truly at stake is not just three points, but bragging rights and a significant psychological boost for the victor in this fierce rivalry.
Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea stretches back to 1909, making it one of English football’s most enduring derbies. Across 179 competitive meetings, Chelsea hold a distinct advantage.
- Total Matches Played: 179
- Tottenham Hotspur Wins: 56
- Chelsea Wins: 81
- Draws: 42
Recent Results (Last 5 Premier League Meetings):
Chelsea have largely dominated recent encounters, winning four of the last five Premier League clashes against their London rivals.
- April 3, 2025: Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham
- December 8, 2024: Tottenham 3-4 Chelsea
- May 2, 2024: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham
- November 6, 2023: Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea
- February 26, 2023: Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea
Notably, Chelsea have won nine and drawn one of the last 11 meetings between the two teams. This fixture has also produced high-scoring thrillers, such as Chelsea’s 4-3 victory in December 2024, and cup final encounters, including Tottenham’s EFL Cup triumph in 2008 and Chelsea’s win in the 2015 final.
Current Form & Team News
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham’s recent form has been a mixed bag, with two wins, two losses, and one draw in their last five competitive matches.
- October 29, 2025 (Carabao Cup): Newcastle 2-0 Tottenham (L)
- October 26, 2025 (Premier League): Everton 0-3 Tottenham (W)
- October 22, 2025 (Champions League): Monaco 0-0 Tottenham (D)
- October 19, 2025 (Premier League): Tottenham 1-2 Aston Villa (L)
- October 4, 2025 (Premier League): Leeds 1-2 Tottenham (W)
Manager Thomas Frank has been grappling with a significant injury crisis, but receives a timely boost for this derby. Captain Cristian Romero (groin), Destiny Udogie (knee), and Wilson Odobert (side strain) are all available for selection, with Romero potentially returning to the starting XI. Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario also returns to the starting lineup after being rested in the Carabao Cup. However, the Lilywhites remain without key players such as James Maddison (ACL), Dejan Kulusevski, Dominic Solanke (ankle), Archie Gray (calf), Ben Davies (thigh), Yves Bissouma (ankle surgery), Radu Dragusin (ACL), and Kota Takai (quad).
Standout players in recent form include Micky van de Ven, who scored twice against Everton, and the midfield duo of João Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur who are expected to play crucial roles.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s recent performances have shown more consistency, with four wins and one loss in their last five outings across all competitions.
- October 29, 2025 (Carabao Cup): Wolves 3-4 Chelsea (W)
- October 25, 2025 (Premier League): Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland (L)
- October 22, 2025 (Champions League): Chelsea 5-1 Ajax (W)
- October 18, 2025 (Premier League): Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea (W)
- October 4, 2025 (Premier League): Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool (W)
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea also face injury challenges, but are boosted by the availability of key midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo, who are fit to start after receiving rest in midweek. João Pedro, who has been nursing a groin issue, was rested against Wolves and is also available. However, the Blues will be without Liam Delap due to suspension after his red card against Wolves. Long-term absentees include Cole Palmer (groin), Levi Colwill (serious knee injury), Benoit Badiashile (muscle), and Dario Essugo (thigh surgery).
Young talents like Andrey Santos, Tyrique George, and Estêvão Willian impressed with goals in the Carabao Cup, showcasing the depth available to Maresca.
Tactical Preview
Thomas Frank for Tottenham is expected to deploy a flexible system. With Cristian Romero’s return, he might opt for a 3-4-1-2 formation to counter Chelsea’s offensive threats and exploit potential defensive vulnerabilities, a setup that has troubled the Blues in the past. Alternatively, a 4-2-3-1 could be used. Spurs are known for their set-piece proficiency, which could be a significant weapon in this encounter. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Palhinha and Bentancur tasked with disrupting Chelsea’s rhythm and initiating attacks through players like Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, and Randal Kolo Muani.
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea typically favor a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on midfield control and fluid attacking play. The midfield partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo will be pivotal in dictating the tempo and supplying the attacking line, which could feature Pedro Neto, João Pedro, and Marc Guiu. Chelsea’s defense has shown some fragility recently, shipping three goals against Wolves and losing to Sunderland, which Tottenham will aim to exploit.
The match at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means Spurs will have the home crowd behind them, eliminating any travel fatigue. While Chelsea also played a midweek fixture, key players were rested, suggesting they will be fresh for this derby. The midfield duel between Tottenham’s Palhinha and Bentancur against Chelsea’s Caicedo and Fernandez is expected to be a decisive factor in who controls the game.
