According to a report by the Evening Standard on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders is expected to make his first Premier League start when the Blues host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The 21-year-old is set to step into the starting lineup following Emi Martinez’s injury during Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend. Martinez required hospital treatment after a serious collision of heads and has since undergone jaw surgery, leaving manager Xabi Alonso without his first-choice goalkeeper.

Penders, who became Chelsea’s youngest-ever Premier League goalkeeper when he replaced Martinez against Everton, is now expected to receive an extended opportunity between the posts as the Argentine international recovers.

Chelsea have won their last two Premier League matches by an aggregate score of 7-1, and Alonso could maintain much of the team that has delivered those impressive results.

Jordan Henderson and Moises Caicedo are expected to continue their partnership in central midfield, providing experience and defensive protection ahead of the back three.

Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers are also tipped to feature in Chelsea’s attacking setup. Rogers, who arrived during the summer transfer window for a reported £117 million, is expected to join Palmer in supporting Pedro as the central forward.

Pedro Neto could retain his position at right wing-back after scoring both goals in the victory over Everton. The Portuguese international’s attacking contribution has strengthened his case for another starting appearance against Tottenham.

At the back, Josh Acheampong could continue alongside the other central defenders after Wesley Fofana was left on the bench for the previous two matches. Chelsea will also assess the availability of Pep Chavarria, who missed out on starting against Everton after picking up a minor injury during training.

Malo Gusto could return to contention after missing the Everton fixture through illness, while Chelsea captain Reece James is not expected to return until January following knee surgery. Levi Colwill and Caicedo have shared captaincy responsibilities in his absence.

Chelsea will also be without winger Jamie Gittens, who sustained an ankle injury while representing England Under-21s. Striker Emmanuel Emegha remains a doubt after suffering a setback in training.

Alonso is scheduled to provide a further fitness update during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Chelsea will welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge at 5:30pm BST on Saturday, October 24, with the Blues hoping to extend their winning run in the Premier League.

Predicted Chelsea XI vs Tottenham (3-4-2-1): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Palestra, Caicedo, Henderson, Chavarria; Rogers, Palmer; Joao Pedro.