2025 Champions League Quarter-Finals 2nd Leg Preview - Real Madrid vs. Arsenal: Can Los Blancos dodge the Gunners at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu? April 16, 2025 by Marc Jerbs

Chelsea is set to host Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge on April 3, 2025, at 8:00 PM BST in a Premier League match that holds significant implications for both teams. Chelsea, currently in sixth place with 49 points, is striving to secure a Champions League qualification spot, while Tottenham, languishing in 14th place with 34 points, aims to salvage their season and ease the mounting pressure on their manager. This London derby promises to be a compelling encounter with both teams eager to claim a vital victory.

Chelsea's recent form has been inconsistent, with just six points taken from their last five Premier League matches before the international break. However, they managed a narrow 1-0 victory against Leicester City in their last match, with Marc Cucurella scoring the decisive goal. Despite the win, Chelsea's attack has struggled, scoring more than two goals in a match only once since January. The return of key attacking players, including Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Noni Madueke, from injury is a significant boost for Enzo Maresca's side. Palmer's return is particularly crucial, as he has been influential in Chelsea's attack despite a recent dip in goal-scoring form. Jackson's pace and movement upfront have been sorely missed, while Madueke provides another strong attacking option. However, Romeo Lavia has suffered another setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury, and Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended. Chelsea have won their last four Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, keeping a clean sheet in the last two.

Chelsea vs. Tottenham Sports Bet Odds

The Blues are the favorites to win the game. Here are our latest odds:

• The Blues are favored by 1 point, with a full-time result of 1.65.
• The Spurs are the underdogs by 1 point, with a full-time result of 4.50.
• Draw has a full-time result of 4.50.
• Total Goals is set at 2.5 points, with the Under at 3.00 and the Over at 1.40.

Cole Palmer's presence as a number 10 is crucial to Chelsea's attacking play. Enzo Maresca prefers to play him in this role, where he can be more involved in the high build-up phase and create overloads with the wide players. Palmer's ability to drive forward, combine quickly, and create chances makes him an ideal playmaker. Levi Colwill is also a key player in Chelsea's build-up play, dictating the tempo from the back and attempting to bait the opposition. Chelsea typically adopts a 3-2-4-1 formation when in possession, aiming to create overloads in all phases of play and unlock the talents of their attacking players.

Tottenham's season has been underwhelming, currently sitting in 14th place in the league. They are winless in their last three league matches, with losses to Fulham and Manchester City and a draw against Bournemouth. Ange Postecoglou's side has been ravaged by injuries, with as many as 11 first-team players unavailable at one stage. Key players like Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso are doubtful for the Chelsea match due to injury. Richarlison is nearing a return from a calf problem, while Lucas Bergvall is eligible after recovering from illness. Tottenham's defense has been a major issue, conceding the eighth-highest number of goals in the Premier League. Their tactical issues include a lack of defensive awareness and a vulnerability to counter-attacks due to the positioning of their inverted full-backs.

Tottenham's tactical approach under Ange Postecoglou revolves around maintaining possession with purpose, using inverted full-backs to create midfield overloads and opening wide spaces for attacking transitions. However, their defensive frailties and susceptibility to quick transitions have often undermined their attacking efforts. The absence of a true defensive midfielder to shield the backline has also been a significant issue. Tottenham's high defensive line can be easily exploited if players are not fully alert and defensively aware.

The Chelsea vs. Tottenham Hotspur match promises to be an exciting London derby with implications for both teams' ambitions this season. Chelsea will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage and the return of key players to strengthen their hold on a Champions League spot. Tottenham, on the other hand, will be desperate to turn their season around and alleviate the pressure on Ange Postecoglou, although missing key players could prove detrimental. Expect a closely fought contest with Chelsea ultimately edging out a victory.

2024-25 Premier League Table