Game Week 30 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Spurs

Chelsea hosts spurs in a crucial London derby with top-five hopes on the line. Can the Blues bounce back or will Spurs spring a surprise.

Cole Palmer needs a great performance after his recent struggles, and there's no better stage for him to deliver this than at home against Tottenham. (Photo credit: SkySports)

 Chelsea vs Tottenham

Stamford Bridge Stadium

8:00pm

After Newcastle and Aston Villa's wins on Wednesday night, Chelsea must win to get back into the top five on the Premier League log.

The Blues remain the firm favorite to win the Europa Conference League however, their domestic form is suspect and they must find ways to do better than they have done recently or they risk losing out on Champions League football next season.

Tottenham's season is hinged on whatever they do in the Europa League; they have underperformed in the league so much that they're closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top six. It's time for them to get a grip.

Ange Postecoglou has been vocal about how concerned he is about his team's performances, but he has the chance to finish strong with some of his injured players gradually returning to full fitness.

Chelsea lost to Arsenal at the Emirates before the international break, leaving them needing a win to usurp Manchester City and Newcastle United, who both won on Tuesday, and with the fifth spot certain to guarantee UCL football, they know what to do.

Enzo Maresca believes the team he has can compete for titles however, he needs the players to believe too, he is actively ignoring distractions in the form of transfers with journalists asking about the future of Jadon Sancho.

How will they line up for this one? Romeo Lavia is the only notable absentee for Chelsea, as Maresca confirmed at his presser that the trio of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson are all available for selection; this gives the Blues an edge.

Postecoglou would be able to call on his first-choice center-backs on Thursday with Micky Van De Ven and Christian Romero both available for selection, but he will be sweating on the fitness of Lucas Bergwijn and Dejan Kulusevski.

The high line by Tottenham is something to watch out for; Palmer can exploit the space with line-splitting passes but Chelsea must be wary of the pressing from the visitors, they can't afford to sleep.

Pedro Neto is another player to watch out for; his trickery and pace could help, especially with Tottenham keeping a high line. However, with Dominic Solanke back in the Spurs fold, the Chelsea defense could have a long night too.

Verdict: Chelsea to win