It is the start of Xabi Alonso’s toughest week as Chelsea boss. The Blues face Tottenham on Saturday, Liverpool on Wednesday, and Man United next weekend, and Peter Crouch has made a prediction.

After two Premier League wins in a row, Chelsea sit fourth in the Premier League table, and there is a real sense of optimism at Stamford Bridge. They take on an improving Tottenham side on Saturday evening.

In search of a third successive Premier League win, Alonso will have to name a side that does not include Emi Martinez and Reece James. Both have undergone surgery on jaw and knee injuries in the last month.

Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell agree: Chelsea will beat Spurs

Martinez’s absence may prove to be a blessing in disguise. The Argentine has kept just one clean sheet against Spurs in 13 career appearances, conceding a huge 25 goals – four goals on three occasions.

Tottenham, meanwhile, finally got their first win of the Premier League campaign on Monday night, two days after Chelsea last played. A 3-1 win over Frank Lampard’s Coventry, with James Maddison scoring.

Chelsea have been dominant against Tottenham for many years, but what does Xabi Alonso need to do to ensure this run keeps going?

The Blues haven't lost to Tottenham since 2023 👀

On That Peter Crouch Podcast, former England striker Crouch is confident of a Chelsea win: “Chelsea are clear favourites. Spurs have been poor, although they did win against Coventry. Such a big win for them.

“I still fancy Chelsea at home. They score goals; I’m going to go, Chelsea 3-1,” Crouch said. Former Blues midfielder Sidwell added: “This is a big game; there’s always a lot of needle in this game.

“Tottenham have [Dejan] Kulusevski and Maddison back; they’ve missed that creativity. But Chelsea are flying; they are at home. Clean sheet. Chelsea 2-0,” Sidwell confidently concluded ahead of the clash.

Chelsea’s record against Tottenham will inspire confidence

It has been almost eight years since Chelsea came from a first-leg deficit against Tottenham to knock Mauricio Pochettino’s side out of the Carabao Cup semi-finals on penalties. A huge 18 meetings since.

In that time, Tottenham have won twice, and one was won on penalties. The other was a surprise 2-0 win over Spurs in February 2023. Oliver Skipp and Harry Kane scored the goals for Tottenham on that day.

Another two have been drawn. The other 14, Chelsea have been victorious. Six wins in a row for the Blues, including a double last term, with Enzo Maresca winning away and Calum McFarlane winning at home.

Chelsea beat Tottenham. It’s always been the same way, and on Saturday, Alonso’s side will be expected to do the same. Spurs might have won on Monday, but their defence is far weaker than Chelsea’s attack.