Cole Palmer starts, Mykhailo Mudryk verdict – Chelsea lineup vs Tottenham predicted

Mauricio Pochettino will be determined to return to winning ways when Chelsea lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur. The Blues welcome the Lilywhites to Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening knowing a win will help them further climb the Premier League table.

Chelsea head into the clash following a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa, meanwhile, Spurs suffered a 3-2 defeat to Arsenal. While the west Londoners trail Manchester United, Newcastle and West Ham in the race for Europa League qualification, they have a couple of games in hand.

As for Tottenham, they're in a similar situation. Unai Emery's side have established a seven-point lead in fourth, but the north Londoners, who are fifth, have two games in hand.

While large sections of the Chelsea fanbase will be hoping to see Pochettino throw the kitchen sink at Tottenham, the Blues could have as many as 14 players sidelined due to injury. So, with that being said, football.london's writers have predicted how Chelsea could set up against Spurs.

Bobby Vincent

Goalkeeper is obvious at this point. Petrovic has not been in the greatest form but it seems inevitable he will come good again, for me. The Chelsea defence essentially picks itself with all of the injury problems.

Gilchrist to come back in at right-back, with Chalobah and Badiashile in the middle and Cucurella on the left-hand side.
Gallagher and Caicedo both did really well away at Aston Villa last time out and I fully expect them two to continue in the middle.

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In front of them, there is a bit more debate. However, not that much because of the injury situation. Madueke on the right, Palmer as the No.10, Mudryk on the left wing with Jackson as the central striker.

Bobby's XI: Djordje Petrovic; Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist; Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher; Noni Madueke, Cole Palmer, Mykhailo Mudryk; Nicolas Jackson.

Jake Stokes

Robert Sanchez has been back in training for a while now, but Djordje Petrovic has hardly put a foot wrong in his absence. The Serbian shot-stopper will definitely be disappointed with the number of goals that Chelsea have conceded recently, but he's offered some stability.

Since the reintroduction of Trevoh Chalobah, the Blues have looked much better at the back. Mauricio Pochettino may be inclined to operate him at right-back, with Malo Gusto out and Levi Colwill nearing a return, but he should partner Benoit Badiashile in the heart of defence.

Reece James has been back in first-team training, but a start against Spurs comes too soon. While Alfie Gilchrist has a number of appearances under his belt at right-back, Josh Acheampong should be given a chance.

The 17-year-old defender would be a far more natural option compared to Alfie Gilchrist, who earned his stripes at Cobham as a centre-half. In midfield, the Chelsea boss has very little choice but to continue with Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher in a double pivot.

Despite an unconvincing performance against Aston Villa, Mykhailo Mudryk needs to end the season with a consistent run of games – as does Nicolas Jackson despite his woes in front of goal. The former Villarreal striker may not always find the net but his general link-up play is brilliant, bringing other players into the game.

While numerous players are out due to injury, Christopher Nkunku has been back in first-team training. He linked up very well with Jackson during pre-season, so it'd be exciting to see the Frenchman try his luck off the bench.

Jake's XI: Djordje Petrovic; Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Josh Acheampong; Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher; Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson.

Tom Coley

Pochettino doesn't really have much choice here does he? Of the 25 players to have a Premier League start to their name at the club only 11 of those are actually available (two of them are on loan). It leaves a team that frankly picks itself. Petrovic is the first-choice goalkeeper so would have played anyway. The defence in front of him is worryingly likely to be the same that started against Arsenal last week.

Gilchrist isn't a natural right-back but has only ever played there for the senior side so far. Chalobah has picked up the pace of competitive football well since his return and deserves to remain at the heart of defence.

He will surely have Badiashile next to him despite the Frenchman's worrying form. Cucurella is the only fit left-back in the squad. He will need more help from those in front of him this time around, so will Gilchrist, as Chelsea's wingers haven't managed to provide enough cover in recent weeks.

Caicedo and Gallagher in midfield have played the most and third most of any players for the club this season and will continue to rack up the appearances between now and the end of the season. They will be key in shutting down Tottenham and again providing some shield for the backline.

Palmer's best spot is on the right but he is also the most natural player to move centrally when needed of the current attackers. Madueke is set to continue with his streak of games and must provide more outings like the second half at Villa Park.

Mudryk has a lot of questions to answer but having not bedded in any academy attackers this year despite their impressive form, Pochettino has left himself without much choice. Jackson leads the line. Beyond that Chelsea will be even more baby-faced than usual.

Tom's XI: Djordje Petrovic; Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist; Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher; Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke; Nicolas Jackson.