According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso is expected to make several changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur, with goalkeeper Mike Penders likely to retain his place.

The 21-year-old is expected to continue in goal after making his Premier League debut during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend. Penders replaced Emi Martinez in the second half after the Argentine suffered a serious head injury that required surgery on his jaw.

Chelsea are expected to maintain their three-man defensive formation, with Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill among the likely starters. Acheampong could keep his place after Wesley Fofana was left out of the starting lineup for Chelsea’s previous two matches.

In midfield, Moises Caicedo and Jordan Henderson are expected to continue their partnership following consecutive Premier League victories in which Chelsea scored seven goals and conceded just once.

Pedro Neto is also in contention to start after scoring both goals against Everton. The Portuguese winger could feature at right wing-back, while Palestra and Pep Chavarria are options on the opposite flank. However, Chavarria remains a doubt after picking up a minor injury before the Everton match.

In attack, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are expected to operate behind striker Joao Pedro as Chelsea look to maintain their impressive goalscoring form. Rogers could retain his position alongside Palmer following his reported £117 million move to Stamford Bridge during the summer.

Chelsea captain Reece James will miss the London derby as he continues his recovery from knee surgery, with his return not expected until January. Jamie Gittens is also unavailable after sustaining an ankle injury while on international duty with England Under-21s.

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Emegha is doubtful after suffering a setback during training, leaving Alonso uncertain about his availability for Saturday’s encounter. Malo Gusto could also return to consideration after missing the Everton fixture due to illness.

Chelsea’s possible starting lineup (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Joao Pedro.

Doubts: Pep Chavarria, Emmanuel Emegha.

Injured: Reece James, Emi Martinez, Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea will host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm BST. The Blues will be aiming to extend their winning run and strengthen their position in the Premier League table with another positive result against their London rivals.