Chelsea welcomes Tottenham Hotspur to Stamford Bridge for a London derby on Saturday.
The Blues sit fourth in the Premier League after back-to-back league wins over Bournemouth and Everton. Pedro Neto scored twice in last Saturday's 2-0 victory on Merseyside.
Xabi Alonso will be without Emiliano Martinez, who underwent jaw surgery after an injury against Everton. Mike Penders is set to make his first Premier League start in the Argentine's place.
Reece James, Jamie Gittens, Pep Chavarria and Emmanuel Emegha, but Malo Gusto is fit to return after missing the Everton game through illness.
Here is how Chelsea could line up against Spurs:
Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Tottenham
- Goalkeeper: Penders
- Defense: Neto, Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato
- Midfield: Caicedo, Henderson
- Forwards: Palmer, João Pedro, Rogers
Penders is set for his first Premier League start after replacing Martinez in the second half at Everton. Jorrel
Hato should stay at left wing-back with Chavarria ruled out.
Chelsea team news vs. Tottenham
- Out: Martinez, James, Gittens, Chavarria, Emegha
- Questionable: N/A
- Suspended: N/A
Will Emiliano Martinez play vs. Tottenham?
Martinez was stretchered off at Everton after a second-half collision with Jarrad Branthwaite. He has since undergone jaw surgery and won't be available for the derby.
Alonso said Friday the goalkeeper is improving but still faces a short spell on the sidelines."He had the surgery and day by day he is feeling better, but we still need to wait. A few weeks. Hopefully, less than more, but we need to wait," said the Chelsea manager.
Alonso also backed Penders to slot in seamlessly in the Argentine's absence.
"He is ready," said Alonso in his pre-match press conference. "He has been training well and played a couple of cup games where he showed he has a good level. Even the other day when he came on against Everton, he showed in a few minutes his personality and qualities."
Chelsea vs. Tottenham time, TV
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Time: 12:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Stamford Bridge (London, England)
- TV/stream: Peacock (Watch Here), NBCSN (Watch on Fubo), Telemundo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Chelsea lineup vs Tottenham: Mike Penders set to replace Emiliano Martinez
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