Chelsea vs Tottenham LIVE: Premier League latest score, match stream and goal updates
A ferocious London derby headlines today’s Premier League action as Chelsea and Tottenham renew their rivalry under the lights at Stamford Bridge. Both teams are building some momentum after stuttering starts to the season, though the Blues will have to cope with the shock absence of Joao Pedro through injury as Geovany Quenda makes his first start for the club along with Mike Penders.
Xabi Alonso has overseen back-to-back wins for the first time in the Premier League to take Chelsea into the top four, and the hosts have lost just once in their last 16 home meetings with Spurs. Another win today would make it a record-breaking seventh in a row against their north London foes. To say the Bridge has been an unhappy hunting ground for Tottenham is an understatement, though James Maddison is fit to start as Dominic Solanke drops to the bench.
Chelsea vs Tottenham latest news
Live updates
Early Kinsky error opens door for Palmer
6 mins: A poor pass from Kinsky has Spurs in bother as Palmer comes charging into that right channel and delivers a dangerous cross that falls safe.
Stamford Bridge rocking in the rain on derby day
Standard Sport’s Arthur Ferridge at Stamford Bridge
Stamford Bridge is rocking. Spirited chants of 'we hate Tottenham' during the Liquidator, followed by a full-throated 'Blue is the Colour'.
The driving rain is only adding to the derby atmosphere. Should be a fun couple of hours, this.
Chelsea bring back bold corner strategy
4 mins: Tottenham earn the first corner of the day, but have to hold several defenders back as Chelsea are leaving four up near the halfway line.
A bold strategy. We’ve seen that before this season.
Early test for Penders
3 mins: An early punch away in his box from Penders, before Palmer then needlessly trips Maddison to give Tottenham the chance to swing in another set-piece delivery in the wet and windy conditions.
Somehow Robertson hits the one-man wall. So poor.
We are under way in the inclement conditions at Stamford Bridge, where both sides are in their familiar home strips - blue against white.
Chris Kavanagh is the referee, with John Brooks on VAR duty.
Some nervy moments for Tottenham in the opening exchanges courtesy of Kinsky and Van Hecke.
Already some ironic cheers from the home fans.
Teams are out
The teams are out at a noisy Stamford Bridge, where the rain is still driving down amid fierce winds.
Quite the conditions for a first Premier League start for 21-year-old Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders...
Xabi Alonso delivers Joao Pedro injury update
And here’s Xabi Alonso speaking to Sky Sports when asked about the shock absence of Joao Pedro from the Chelsea squad today...
“He felt something in training yesterday,” the Spaniard said.
"At the moment he has some liquid, so we have to do some tests to know how big the injury is.
“It's disappointing, but we need to carry on."
De Zerbi explains surprise Solanke omission for Spurs
Here’s Roberto De Zerbi explaining his surprise decision to drop Dominic Solanke against one of his former clubs this evening.
It’s Omar Marmoush through the middle for Tottenham, flanked by Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, and James Maddison as the No10...
"Because I am lucky to have a big squad, many solutions, many different solutions in terms of characteristics and physical characteristics,” De Zerbi told Sky Sports.
“I took this decision but the game is 90 minutes."
Why Joao Pedro is not playing for Chelsea
Standard Sport understands that Joao Pedro has an injury and is currently being assessed.
We don’t know at this stage exactly what the issue is, but BBC Sport report that he suffered it during training at Cobham on Friday.
Chelsea will be praying that it’s nothing serious and that their top scorer and reigning Player of the Season is not sidelined for long.
Xabi Alonso should provide an update on Sky Sports very soon ahead of kick-off against Tottenham.
Two Tottenham changes as James Maddison starts
Roberto De Zerbi, meanwhile, makes two changes to the Tottenham team that finally achieved their first Premier League win of the season against newly-promoted Coventry on Monday night.
Tosin Adarabioyo is not fit for a swift reunion with his former club as Dominic Solanke drops to the bench.
Back to four in defence for Spurs after De Zerbi deployed a back three against Coventry.
No Destiny Udogie as expected, with Lucas Bergvall, Savio, Mykhailo Mudryk, Xavi Simons and Wilson Odobert all still out.
Rodrigo Bentancur is suspended.
