KICK off: 4 February 22:00
Information: Kane will be sidelined for another couple of weeks with the ankle problems he sustained against Liverpool, and the striker’s compatriot Dele Alli also remains on the sidelines with a tendon injury. However, whether or not Alli would have been in contention for a start if fully fit is another question entirely, but he will certainly hope to get more of a look-in after links with Paris Saint-Germain in the January window ended up going nowhere. The rejuvenated Tanguy Ndombele was forced off through injury against Brighton but should be fine for this one, while Sergio Reguilon and Giovani Lo Celso are definitely out. Serge Aurier allegedly stormed out of the stadium after being substituted at half time in the defeat to Liverpool, and with his involvement in this game uncertain, Matt Doherty – who has previously thrived as a wing-back with Wolverhampton Wanderers – could return to the fold. Gareth Bale’s performance against Brighton came under scrutiny as he was hauled off just after the hour mark, and it would not be a surprise to see Mourinho place his faith in Carlos Vinicius for this mouthwatering battle. In complete contrast, Chelsea – aside from very minor concerns over Hakim Ziyech’s fitness – are well-stocked for the first derby of the Tuchel era, although Kurt Zouma and Kai Havertz have recently emerged as injury doubts too. The German explained that Ziyech’s absence at the weekend was simply down to him needing a rest, so he should be fine for this encounter, while N’Golo Kante has also fully recovered from a hamstring problem and could earn a start in midfield. Tuchel is spoiled for choice at the moment but is expected to keep faith in the majority of the team that dispatched Burnley at the weekend, meaning back-to-back starts out wide for Alonso and Callum Hudson-Odoi. Christian Pulisic will hope to earn a start after coming off the bench to assist Alonso’s spectacular second last time out, but Havertz will likely have to make do with a place among the substitutes once more if he is passed fit.
Prediction: Chelsea to win
Stake: 8/10
League: England
Result: won
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Prediction of the day: Tottenham – Chelsea
