Razón y Saber
EspañolEnglish日本語

Chelsea vs Tottenham: Porro returns as De Zerbi manages his creative options

Chelsea seek a third straight league win while Tottenham arrive after their first victory, with decisions still to make over their two creative midfielders.

Razón y Saber ·
English Español 日本語
James Maddison wearing Tottenham colours in an archive photograph from December 2024.
James Maddison with Tottenham. Archive, December 2024. © Jim Easton / Wikimedia Commons

Chelsea host Tottenham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 24, with two recoveries of different kinds at stake. Xabi Alonso’s side want to extend their improvement after beating Bournemouth and Everton. Roberto De Zerbi’s team must show that Monday’s 3-1 win over Coventry, their first league victory of the season, can carry over against a more dangerous attack. Pedro Porro’s return expands Tottenham’s options, while De Zerbi manages James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski’s return.

Progress with questions still to answer

Chelsea followed a 5-1 home win over Bournemouth with a 2-0 victory at Everton. The clean sheet was another step forward for a side that have scored 17 goals and conceded 13 in their first seven league games. That combination frames Saturday’s test: Chelsea have the attacking quality to punish mistakes, but must keep turning possession into defensive security.

João Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers pose different threats around the penalty area and between the lines. Denying them room to receive will be as important for Tottenham as stopping the final pass. Pressing without protecting the space behind midfield could make Chelsea’s combinations easier; defending too deep could leave Dominic Solanke isolated.

Tottenham have reason for encouragement after Monday’s result. Yet their creative players’ availability means that performance cannot simply be carried into this derby. Maddison scored the opener against Coventry. After expressing doubt at Friday’s press conference because he had missed the first training sessions of the week, De Zerbi clarified in a later club interview that both he and Kulusevski are available. He did not confirm whether they would start or be on the bench.

Porro provides an option; Maddison needs care

The manager confirmed Porro is available again following his muscular problem. His return gives Tottenham another route out from the back and greater flexibility in wide areas. It does not confirm a starting place or mean they will repeat the shape used against Coventry.

There is also caution over Dejan Kulusevski. De Zerbi said he had trained well, although he began the week working individually. The coach named Mathys Tel, Omar Marmoush and Conor Gallagher among his possible solutions. Those are options he has acknowledged, rather than an announced lineup.

Chelsea have an important change in goal. Emiliano Martínez remains out, with Mike Penders the natural replacement after coming on for him at Everton. The Standard has highlighted the club’s confidence in the young goalkeeper. He must deal with Tottenham’s attacks while helping Chelsea maintain their buildup without their first-choice keeper.

Injuries, returns and availability

Information from Friday, October 23 press conferences and club updates.

Chelsea

  • Emiliano Martínez: out following jaw surgery.
  • Pep Chavarría: out; Alonso confirmed this game comes too soon.
  • Emmanuel Emegha: out as his recovery continues.
  • Malo Gusto: available again, according to Alonso.
  • Reece James: out following knee surgery, according to The Standard.
  • Jamie Gittens: out with an ankle injury, according to the same newspaper.

Tottenham

  • Pedro Porro: available again.
  • Andy Robertson, Omar Marmoush and Dominic Solanke: available, according to De Zerbi.
  • James Maddison: available according to the later club update; a starting place is unconfirmed.
  • Dejan Kulusevski: available; a starting place is unconfirmed.
  • Lucas Bergvall, Savio and Destiny Udogie: ruled out by the manager.
  • Rodrigo Bentancur: suspended.
  • Tosin Adarabioyo: a decision is pending, according to the club’s update.

How to watch Chelsea vs Tottenham

  • Competition: 2026–27 Premier League, Matchweek 8.
  • Venue: Stamford Bridge, London.
  • Kickoff: Saturday, October 24, at 5:30 p.m. BST.

United States

  • Time: Saturday, 12:30 p.m. ET / 9:30 a.m. PT.
  • Streaming: Peacock; subscription required.

United Kingdom

  • Time: Saturday, 5:30 p.m. BST.
  • TV: Sky Sports.
  • Streaming: Sky Go with an eligible subscription.

Australia

  • Time: Sunday, October 25, 3:30 a.m. AEDT in Sydney and Melbourne; 12:30 a.m. AWST in Perth.
  • Streaming: Stan Sport. Specific match coverage is still to be confirmed.

The derby will test Chelsea’s ability to control transitions and Tottenham’s ability to create chances without overloading players who have recently returned. De Zerbi’s decisions on Maddison and Kulusevski could shape both the starting approach and the changes available later.