According to a report by Football London on Friday, October 23, 2026, Chelsea are preparing for their Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, with Xabi Alonso hoping to guide his team to a third consecutive victory. The Blues head into the London derby in confident mood after recording impressive wins over Bournemouth and Everton in their previous two matches.

Chelsea began their recent winning run with a commanding 5-1 triumph against Bournemouth before securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton last weekend. These results have boosted the team's confidence as they prepare for another important test against their London rivals.

Alonso is expected to maintain much of the starting lineup that delivered those victories, although a change in goal appears unavoidable. Emiliano Martínez remains unavailable following a fractured jaw, leaving Mike Penders as the expected replacement between the posts.

Defensively, Chelsea could deploy Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill in a three-man backline. Their recent clean sheet against Everton was an encouraging achievement, marking the club's first Premier League shutout in nine months and offering fresh confidence in Alonso's defensive arrangements.

Pedro Neto is expected to retain his position on the right flank after scoring twice against Everton. Jorrel Hato could feature on the opposite side after impressing when given an opportunity to start because Pep Chavarría was unavailable through injury. His recent display may have strengthened his chances of keeping his place against Tottenham.

In midfield, Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson are likely to continue together after establishing a promising partnership during Chelsea's latest victories. Romeo Lavia has recovered his availability and could provide another option, particularly because of his previous performances against Tottenham. Nevertheless, Alonso may prefer to maintain the existing midfield combination, with Lavia potentially introduced from the bench.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers are predicted to occupy the attacking positions behind the central striker. Estevão could miss out on a starting role as competition for places intensifies within Chelsea's forward line.

João Pedro is expected to lead the attack, with the Brazilian striker targeting his sixth Premier League goal of the campaign. His contribution could prove important as Chelsea attempt to extend their winning streak and secure another valuable three points.

Chelsea's predicted starting XI in a 3-4-2-1 formation is Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Caicedo, Henderson, Hato; Palmer, Rogers; and Pedro.