In an eagerly anticipated London derby, Chelsea is set to face Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Thursday evening, April 3, 2025. Both teams are returning from the March international break, with Chelsea aiming to solidify their position in the top four of the Premier League, while Spurs seek to regain some much-needed momentum in a challenging season.
Kickoff is scheduled for 20:00 BST (3:00 PM EDT), and the match will be officiated by referee Craig Pawson, with Jarred Gillett serving as VAR. The atmosphere is expected to be electric as Chelsea fans hope to see their team continue their recent dominance over their London rivals.
Chelsea enters the match in a precarious position, currently sitting in fourth place in the Premier League table. However, following recent wins by Manchester City and Newcastle United, they have slipped to sixth, making a victory tonight crucial for their Champions League aspirations. The Blues have won four of their last five matches, showcasing a resurgence in form that they will look to build upon against Spurs.
Tottenham, on the other hand, is struggling significantly, languishing in 14th place with only four wins since Thanksgiving. Their recent form has been dismal, failing to secure a victory in their last three domestic encounters. The pressure is mounting on manager Ange Postecoglou, who is navigating a season that could see Spurs finish in the bottom half for the first time since the 2007-08 campaign.
History is not on Tottenham's side as they have won just one of their last twelve Premier League meetings with Chelsea. The Opta supercomputer gives Chelsea a 56.4% chance of winning the match, while Tottenham's chances stand at a meager 2.0% for a top-half finish this season. Chelsea's dominance in this fixture is further underscored by their record of winning 36 Premier League games against Tottenham, more than any other opponent.
In terms of team news, Chelsea welcomes back key players with Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke all passed fit to play. Jackson, who has been sidelined since early February, has a notable record against Spurs, scoring four Premier League goals against them, which is his joint highest against any opponent. His return is a significant boost for Chelsea's attacking options.
However, Chelsea will also be without Roméo Lavia, who has picked up another ailment, and Marc Guiu is also ruled out. Malo Gusto has been removed from the injury list, adding some depth to the squad. Enzo Maresca, Chelsea's manager, will be keen to utilize his squad depth effectively as they aim for a crucial win.
For Tottenham, the injury list remains concerning. Dejan Kulusevski, Richarlison, and Radu Dragusin are all unavailable, while Kevin Danso is also out. Lucas Bergvall's status is uncertain, making it difficult for Postecoglou to field a full-strength side. Despite these challenges, Spurs will look to their star player Son Heung-min, who has been prolific this season with nine assists but is yet to register an assist against Chelsea in 17 Premier League appearances.
The last encounter between these two teams in December 2024 ended in a thrilling 4-3 victory for Chelsea, highlighting the intense rivalry and potential for drama in this fixture. Chelsea came back from a 2-0 deficit, showcasing their resilience and attacking prowess. Fans will be hoping for a similarly entertaining match, albeit with a more comfortable scoreline this time around.
As the match approaches, the excitement builds. Chelsea's recent home form has been strong, with four consecutive Premier League wins at Stamford Bridge, all while maintaining clean sheets in their last two outings. Tottenham, conversely, has struggled on the road, with eight losses this season and minimal points earned in London derbies.
The Opta supercomputer simulations predict a home win for Chelsea 56.4% of the time, with a 22.7% chance of an away victory for Spurs and a 20.9% likelihood of a draw. Given the current form of both teams and their historical encounters, it seems Chelsea is favored to continue their dominance in this derby.
As the teams prepare to take the field, the stakes are high for both sides. Chelsea is determined to reclaim their spot in the Champions League places, while Tottenham is desperate to salvage their season and avoid further embarrassment. The outcome of this match could very well set the tone for the remainder of the season for both clubs.
With the sun shining brightly over Stamford Bridge, fans are ready for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter. Will Chelsea continue their winning ways against their London rivals, or can Tottenham pull off a much-needed upset? Only time will tell as the two teams clash in this iconic derby.
