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 set to continue between the posts.

The 21-year-old is expected to retain his place after making his Premier League debut during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Everton last weekend. Penders replaced Emi Martinez in the second half after the Argentine sustained a serious head injury and subsequently underwent surgery on his jaw.

Chelsea are expected to stick with their three-man defensive formation, with Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill potential starters at the back. Acheampong could keep his place after Wesley Fofana was omitted from the starting lineup for Chelsea’s previous two matches.

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

Pedro Neto is another strong candidate to start after scoring both goals against Everton. The Portuguese winger could operate 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 fixture.

Further forward, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are expected to play behind striker Joao Pedro as Chelsea seek to maintain their impressive attacking form. Rogers could retain his place alongside Palmer after arriving at Stamford Bridge in a reported £117 million summer transfer.

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

Meanwhile, Emmanuel Emegha is a doubt after experiencing a setback during training, leaving Alonso uncertain about his availability for Saturday’s encounter. Malo Gusto could also be considered for selection after missing the Everton match because of 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 welcome Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:30pm BST. The Blues will be hoping to extend their winning run and strengthen their position in the Premier League table with another positive result against their London rivals.