Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur: Preview and possible line-ups

TEAM NEWS

Chelsea

Following his misunderstanding with goalkeeper Kepa after losing the EFL Cup Final to Man City, Sarri must decide whether to start the Spanish footballer on Wednesday, or bring in Willy Caballero.

Gary Cahill continues to suffer with a back injury, while Zappacosta had the flu so neither will feature - although it was unlikely that they would even if deemed fit to play.

Marcos Alonso is fully fit for this match and should make an appearance as he was unused during the EFL Cup Final match. Higuain and Hudson-Odoi will also be pushing to be included in Sarri's starting line-up, so the forward line may well be rotated. Chelsea's main-man Eden Hazard will feature for sure.

Tottenham Hotspur

Harry Kane made an early return from injury for Spurs for their 2-1 defeat to Burnley. He should also be available for the mid-week encounter with Chelsea. Dele Alli, however, is unavailable for Mauricio Pochettino as he is still suffering with a hamstring injury sustained last month.

Kieran Trippier and Davinson Sanchez were left out of the squad for Spurs' trip to Turf Moor. Both are expected to return to the starting XI against Chelsea, but Eric Dier continues to suffer with tonsillitis.

Having been involved in 15 goals in 17 Premier League games, Christian Eriksen is a definite starter for Mauricio Pochettino's side.

MANAGERS' THOUGHTS

Maurizio Sarri

"We are improving in the defensive phase and in the last two matches. I think we are able to have a great solidity in the defensive phase."

Sarri on whether Kepa will start - "I need to send a message to my group, whether Kepa is on the pitch or off it. I have to decide what is better for my group."

Mauricio Pochettino

Pochettino speaking about the Burnley defeat: "We have to move on and translate good energy. Yesterday, I was involved in training more than I usually used to do. We feel very disappointed."

"In the end, you need to be ready for the next game. The competition doesn't wait."

"After the defeat in the Carabao Cup, of course they are going to try and win again, but of course the game is going to be tough for both sides."

"It's going to be a battle and we need to be ready to fight."

FORM GUIDE

DID YOU KNOW?

Of their last 32 home games against Spurs, Chelsea have only lost one, across all competitions. Although, that defeat did occur in this exact fixture last season.

Tottenham have won three of their last four encounters with Chelsea, equalling the amount won during their previous 20 matches against the Blues.

If Spurs win on Wednesday, they will have won three consecutive league matches against Chelsea - something which the North London side have not done since between March 1961 and September 1963.

POSSIBLE LINE-UPS

Chelsea:

Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso; Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic; Hudson-Odoi, Higuain, Hazard

Tottenham Hotspur:

Lloris; Alderweireld, Sanchez, Vertonghen; Trippier, Sissoko, Winks, Davies; Eriksen; Kane, Son