Our Chelsea writers discuss and debate what they would do if they were in Xabi Alonso's shoes for this weekend's clash between the Blues and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge

While some of Chelsea's Premier League rivals have had to endure some gruelling European fixtures this week, Xabi Alonso has had the advantage of being able to work with his players on the training pitch ahead of this weekend's clash with Tottenham.

Blues supporters would rather see their side in the Champions League, but the extra time at Cobham is certainly a silver lining. The only issue is: Spurs have also had the week to prepare.

Roberto De Zerbi's side played on Monday evening, their first win of the league season against Coventry City, so the Italian hasn't had quite the advantage that Alonso has, but it seems more than enough time to prepare for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

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Chelsea recorded arguably their biggest victory - so far - of the Alonso era away at Everton. Not only did they win at a stadium that is very difficult to get a result at, but they also kept their first Premier League clean sheet in nine months.

Alonso might be tempted to keep most things the same in regards to his line-up on Saturday evening. Below, Bobby Vincent and Jake Stokes discuss and debate what they would do if they were tasked with selecting the Chelsea XI this weekend.

Bobby Vincent

Alonso has been forced into an unwanted change to his Chelsea side - and it's a big one. Emi Martinez underwent surgery on a fractured jaw at the weekend, meaning the Argentine goalkeeper will face weeks out of action. Mike Penders is set to make his full Premier League debut under the lights at Stamford Bridge.

The defence should remain the same. Josh Acheampong has been excellent in recent games and deserves to keep his place instead of Wesley Fofana on the right side of Chelsea's back three.

Likewise, the midfield should be the same as the win at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Jordan Henderson has shown his significance to this Blues side in recent games, and the returning Moises Caicedo - as predicted - has made a major difference to the team's fortunes.

Pedro Neto made a match-winning contribution from the right side last time out and is set to keep his place. Even though Jorrel Hato was brilliant against Everton, I would be tempted to use Marco Palestra from the left-hand side against Spurs.

The front three is the front three. No debate.

Bobby's XI (3-4-3): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Palestra; Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro

Jake Stokes

Alonso only really needs to make one change to the Chelsea starting line-up this weekend, with Penders replacing the injured Martinez between the sticks. Acheampong made an excellent impression, again, when the Blues beat Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and I think it's safe to say that he's now cemented his place on the right of the back three. I'm looking forward to, hopefully, seeing Pep Chavarria back in action on Saturday night, but even if he's fit and available, Hato should remain on the left. The Dutchman did more than enough in Merseyside to earn a second successive start; he should be rewarded for his efforts. I wouldn't be surprised if Henderson keeps his place in the starting line-up either. Romeo Lavia will eventually reclaim his place in the double pivot alongside Caicedo, but while the Englishman has been enjoying a great vein of form, he'll just have to bide his time.

I expected Palestra to feature a little more following the international break, but, having been out for so long due to injury and Neto making it impossible for Alonso to drop him, he, too, will just need to wait for a call-up. Ultimately, Alonso will be delighted with the healthy competition across the park.

And up top, it should be none other than Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, and Joao Pedro. As I've said before, I would like to see more of Estevao Willian and Geovany Quenda, but who am I to question the Chelsea manager... he's hardly put a foot wrong this month.

Jake's XI (3-4-3): Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Caicedo, Hato; Palmer, Rogers, Joao Pedro