Tottenham vs Chelsea: Premier League team news and prediction

There's a London derby to whet the appetite for Sunday's Carabao Cup final as Tottenham welcome Chelsea to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A win for Spurs will vastly increase their chances of a top-four finish, and see them go 14 points clear of their rivals. 

Ahead of this one, we provide the necessary pre-match information, including where to watch the top of the table clash, team news and probable XIs.  

When is kick off? 

Sunday 26th February, 13:30 GMT 

Where is the match? 

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London 

What TV channel is it on? 

Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League 

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Form Guide 

Tottenham's league form since the World Cup has been mixed to say the least. They have won four, lost four and drawn one of nine games, but there are signs that they are starting to turn the corner once more. Indeed, Spurs have won three of their last four, and have kept a clean sheet in those three wins, the only blip a 4-1 loss at Leicester. 

Chelsea are in dire straits at present and while the Blues are backing Graham Potter, a run of two wins in 14 has seen the pressure rise on the 47-year-old. The west London side are adamant they won't relieve Potter of his duties, however supporters are questioning the former Brighton boss and whether he has what it takes to steer Chelsea in the right direction.

Team News 

There is no change in the Tottenham physio room, with Hugo Lloris, Ryan Sessegnon, Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur all sidelined. The latter is set to be ruled out until September at the earliest, in what is a huge blow for the north London side, and it could be that Oliver Skipp keeps his place in the midfield alongside Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. Further forward, Son Heung-Min may have to settle for a spot on the bench following his super-sub role last weekend, with Richarlison potentially joined Dejan Kulusevski and Harry Kane in attack. 

Cesar Azpilicueta has thankfully been discharged from hospital having taken a nasty kick to the head in Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Southampton last weekend, but this game comes too soon for the experienced defender. He joins N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Christian Pulisic and Armando Broja on the sidelines. Reece James should start at right-back having played no part against Saints last week, while former Spurs youth teamer Noni Madueke is also in line to start against his former employers. 

Probable XIs 

Tottenham (3421) - Forster; Romero, Dier, Lenglet; Emerson, Skipp, Hojbjerg, Davies; Kulusevski, Richarlison; Kane

Chelsea (4231) - Kepa; James, Silva, Badiashile, Chilwell; Kovacic, Fernandez; Madueke, Felix, Mudryk; Havertz

Key Battle: Emerson Royal vs Reece James

Few could have foreseen Emerson keeping his place in the Tottenham side once Pedro Porro joined from Sporting CP, but the Brazilian has made a superb start to the calendar year. The 24-year-old scored the decisive opener against West Ham last week, and has been named the fans' player of the match in their last two home league wins. Credit where it's due, Emerson's used the arrival of Porro to really up his game in recent weeks.

Injuries have restricted Reece James to just nine league starts this season, and he played no part in Chelsea's 1-0 loss to Southampton last weekend. Nevertheless, he remains a key man for the Blues from right-back. James' only goal of the campaign came in the reverse fixture as he netted in the second half in the eventual 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Score prediction: Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea