EPL GW 30: Chelsea vs Tottenham team news, H2H, predictions

Actions will resume this week in the Premier League as Stamford Bridge is set for a pulsating London derby as Chelsea vs Tottenham Hotspur will go on in matchday 30 of the 2024/25 Premier League season on Thursday, April 3, kicking off at 8:00 PM (GMT). With both clubs chasing distinct objectives, for Chelsea it is aiming to solidify their top-four spot and Tottenham desperate to climb out of mid-table mediocrity. This clash holds great promise. This piece is set to explore both club’s performances, tactics, team news, head-to-head record, and a scoreline prediction.

Chelsea’s performances

Chelsea, currently fourth with 49 points from 29 matches (W14 D7 L8, GF 53 GA 37), have had a rollercoaster season under Enzo Maresca. Their attacking power has been impressive with only Liverpool (61) and Tottenham (55) have scored more in the league, but defensive lapses have cost them dearly, conceding 37 goals. Since the turn of the year, the Blues have managed just seven wins in 17 matches across all competitions, including a 1-0 loss to Arsenal before the international break. However, their home form remains a bright spot: eight wins, four draws, and two losses at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s tactics

Maresca’s men have leaned on a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing fluid attacking play. Cole Palmer (12 goals, 9 assists) has been the creative hub, while Nicolas Jackson (11 goals) has found his stride in London derbies. Defensively, though, they’ve been shaky, with 79% of their league games seeing goals conceded. March saw them score eight goals in three matches but also ship six, highlighting both their potency and vulnerability.

In Chelsea vs Tottenham fixture, expect Chelsea to press high, targeting Tottenham’s injury-hit defense. Maresca will likely rely on Palmer’s vision and Jackson’s runs to exploit Spurs’ high line, while Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez anchor midfield to disrupt Tottenham’s counterattacks.

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Chelsea’s team news & injuries

Good news for Chelsea as Palmer, Jackson, and Noni Madueke are back from minor knocks sustained before the international break, improving the attack. However, Wesley Fofana and Marc Guiu (knee) remain sidelined, potentially forcing Benoit Badiashile into the backline alongside Trevoh Chalobah or Tosin Adarabioyo. Malo Gusto (knee) is also a concern, meaning Marc Cucurella might continue at left-back.

Tottenham performances

Tottenham sit 14th with 34 points (W10 D4 L15, GF 55 GA 43), a big difference from last season’s top-four aspirations. Ange Postecoglou’s second campaign has been plagued by inconsistency, three straight wins in February were followed by a winless run of three (D1 L2), including a 2-0 defeat to Fulham before the international break. Their attack remains incredible, their 55 goals rank them third in the league, but a weak defense (43 goals conceded) and a mounting injury list have made Spurs struggle this season.

Tottenham’s tactics

Spurs stick to Postecoglou’s 4-3-3, built around a high defensive line and aggressive pressing. Dominic Solanke (9 goals) has been a reliable focal point, supported by Son Heung-min (7 goals, 5 assists) and Dejan Kulusevski (3 goals, 3 assists). Yet, their set-piece defending remains a glaring weakness, conceding 12 goals from dead balls, only five teams have worse records.

Postecoglou will push for quick transitions, utilizing Son’s pace and Kulusevski’s dribbling ability to stretch Chelsea’s backline. However, their high line could be a liability against Jackson’s speed, especially with key defenders missing.

Tottenham’s team news & injuries

Tottenham’s injury crisis persists. Micky van de Ven (hamstring) is back in training and could feature, a major boost alongside Cristian Romero, while Destiny Udogie (thigh) and Timo Werner (hamstring) are out for the season. Richarlison (hamstring), Kulsevski and Radu Dragusin are unavailable, further reducing options for Postecoglou.

Chelsea vs Tottenham head-to-head statistics

Chelsea hold a commanding edge in this rivalry with both sides meeting 177 times, Chelsea 79 wins, Tottenham 56 wins, 42 draws. In the Premier League, Chelsea has faced Tottenham 63 times, Chelsea 35 wins, Tottenham 8 wins and 20 draws. However, the recent form still continues with Chelsea dominating, the Blues have won 7 of the last 10 league encounters (D2 L1), including a thrilling 4-3 victory at Tottenham on December 8, 2024, and a 2-0 home win on May 2, 2024. Spurs’ last league win at Stamford Bridge was in April 2018 (3-1).

The last five meetings averaged 3.6 goals, with both teams scoring in four of them. Chelsea’s dominance at home makes them clear winners in this fixture as Tottenham have won just once in 34 league visits to Stamford Bridge since 1990. The Blues have also netted 116 Premier League goals against Spurs, more than against any other opponent.

Chelsea vs Tottenham prediction

Chelsea enter as favorites, based on their home record and returning stars. Tottenham’s attacking threat is undeniable, but their defensive weakness could prove fatal against a Chelsea side determined to redeem themselves. The Blues’ ability to capitalize on Spurs’ high line, paired with Tottenham’s set-piece struggles, puts them at an advantage.

Predicted Scoreline: Chelsea 3-1 Tottenham Hotspur. This London derby rarely disappoints, and with both teams needing points, expect a tough battle and some upsets because in football, things could happen mysteriously.