Chelsea vs Tottenham - Premier League: RECAP of score and updates as Blues earn deserved narrow win in London derby as VAR rules out TWO goals

Well, plenty of talking points coming out of this one. That Postecoglou interview at the end was tense. For Chelsea, meanwhile, the Champions League beckons. Stay with our coverage across our platforms, but for this blog, it's good night.

Some supporters may disagree with this one, with Spurs stuck in 14th.

Postecoglou told Sky Sports: 'My outcome tonight is, it was a really tight game decided by a really poor decision.

'Difficult night. Tough game, not an easy place to come, we had to work hard to stay in the game, let in a disappointing goal and didn't fight our way back into the game. 'It's a work in progress. It's the first time we had the group together. I didn't feel we were getting locked in, but in the front third we could have been cleaner with the football.

'I still thought there was enough there tonight that shows the lads are getting back to the level we need to.'

As for the frosty stand-off between him and fans at the end, he added:

''I want the supporters to be happy, mate. We scored a cracking goal. My substitutions have been booed if you follow my tenure. I wanted them to cheer. I thought it was a cracking goal (that was ruled out).'

Speaking to Sky Sports:

'The team was very good.

'If we wish to become an important team, we need to win in an ugly, dirty way, so I'm quite happy.

'In the last 10 minutes we showed effort, spirit, togetherness - that's what we need.

'If we achieve the Champions League, it's an important thing. But I try to see how we improve day by day. I think the team is getting better and better, but we need to learn how to play a different game.

'(Caicedo) is one of the best or the best defensive midifelder in the world. Every day, he is working serious, he is very humble, very kind, polite.'

Ange Postecoglou was clearly vexed by the call to rule out Pape Matar Sarr's goal after he was adjudged to have fouled Moises Caicedo.

'It's killing the game, mate,' he told Sky Sports of VAR.

'You just don't know what you're going to get, you stand there for 12 minutes, but nobody cares that, they like the drama and controversy and I'm sure there'll be 24 hour coverage.

'If the referee needs to see that for six minutes, tell me what's clear and obvious about that, mate? We all sat on our coaches last night and thought one reply and thought, "oh my God." It's crazy, mate.

'Clear and obvious, if you have to watch something a few times, is that clear and obvious? The referee didn't see it, then sees it for six minutes. That's why the game is going the way it is. I guess people like you (Patrick Davison) will be happy sitting on your couch for six minutes.

Chelsea have truly made Stamford Bridge a fortress.

They've now picked up 31 points at home this season, a total beaten only by Liverpool (38) and Arsenal (34). Nottingham Forest manage to level them.

Jamie Redknapp has broke down the coldness between Postecoglou and the Spurs fans at the end there.

'He made a couple of substitutions and I don't think it went well too down with the Tottenham fans. He's the manager, he's got to make these decisions,' he told Sky Sports.

'When they scored, it looked like he cupped his hands to the Spurs fans as if to say, listen, I know better.

'Normally he'd be over there clapping them. There's a disconnect between the two at the moment. It's not ideal. He's got to keep his head up, keep working hard, believing what he's trying to do. It was a tough night for them.'

Gary Cahill added: 'There certainly looks a frustration with the fans and the manager.'

The only way, as they say, is up.

A 1-0 defeat at Chelsea is hardly an embarrassment, but it's the way they lost that will worry supporters. Just two shots on target, despite having their strongest team out arguably in months.

Ange Postecoglou isn't clapping at the fans, and they're shouting at him. There looks to be bad blood after that one.

Gary Cahill told Sky Sports: 'It's a huge result, a huge result. Decent performance from Chelsea, they were the better team throughout.

'I'd be very disappointed if I were a Spurs fan today with the performance.'

And Jamie Redknapp added: 'It could've been a lot more. Chelsea were by and far away the better team, they were in a different class. Better in every department.

'Tottenham were awful tonight. Not good enough in any department.'

Chelsea hold on!

It's a valuable win for Enzo Maresca's side in their bid to qualify for the Champions League next season.

They leapfrog Manchester City into fourth thanks to Enzo Fernandez's second-half header.

All four stands are jumping up and down with joy as the whistle goes, they know how big this win is.

For Tottenham, it's another defeat in a miserable season.

Time is running out for Tottenham.

It's now or never for the visitors, they just need to pump that ball in the mixer.

Instead, they are knocking it about like they have all the time in the world...

Pedro Porro is on one, my word.

Tottenham should get a corner as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall touches the ball last before it goes out, but the assistant signals for a goal-kick.

Porro then goes absolutely mental at him, like I mean a full-blown tantrum like you have as a toddler.

So, of course, he gets yellow-carded. Silly boy.

Tottenham are really pushing here, they want that equaliser.

Mathys Tel tries to make things happen by whipping the ball into the danger zone, but Robert Sanchez deals with it.

I have to say, I have been rather impressed by Sanchez today, which is certainly a rarity.

Wow. That's a lot of minutes.

Due to all the VAR checks, we are going to have 12 minutes of stoppage time here at the Bridge.

Meanwhile, Tosin Adarabioyo and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are on to see this game out.

Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer make way.

Ohhhh, how important could that be?

Robert Sanchez is the hero as he gets across to deny Son Heung-Min an equaliser right at the death.

The ball is slid across the six-yard box to the Spurs Skipper who is at the back post, and he slides the ball toward goal.

You just think it's rolling in until Sanchez does brilliantly to get there.

More changes from Tottenham here.

There are some ironic cheers as James Maddison realises he is being hooked for the last few minutes.

Mathysd Tel is the man to replace him, while Pedro Porro is on for Micky van de Ven.

Guess what?

That's right; we have another yellow card, and this time it goes to Cole Palmer.

How man more are we going to get tonight?

Ohhhh, Vicario is at it again!

Just as Tottenham were seemingly building a head of steam, Cole Palmer nearly nets from a cross.

His ball looks like it's looping over Vicario but the Italian somehow gets a glove to it to keep it out.

Incredible goalkeeping.

Nicolas Jackson's night is up.

Enzo Maresca is opting to try and preserve his lead as he replaces the striker with Reece James.

Not the tactic I was expecting him to deploy.

Right guys, I have had a bit of a nightmare software-wise as I lost pictures for a second.

But don't worry, we are all OK now.

There have been a mental three yellow cards in my absence, with Pedro Neto, Marc Cucurella, and Pape Sarr all being booked.

Also I have watched the disallowed goal back, and maybe it was harsh...

I can't believe what has just happened, I really can't.

When have you ever seen a manager react to his own supporters like that, it's not a good sign at all.

To do that and the goal be disallowed is even worse.

Will the Spurs fans ever get back on his side after all of that, I'm not sure.

At the same time, as somebody who loves drama, I kind of like it.

Wow. Tottenham fans had been singing 'you don't know what you're doing' at Ange Postecoglou. When Spurs just equalised, Postecoglou turned to the Spurs supporters and cupped his ear.

Oh, dear, oh dear, oh dear...

VAR has ruled out the goal for a foul on Moises Caicedo in the build-up, and it is one to be fair.

It makes Ange Postecoglou look a little silly, as he had cupped his ear to the Tottenham fans after the goal.

It's all a bit chaotic here.

OUT OF NOWHERE!

That is one hell of a strike from substitute Pape Sarr from absolutely nothing. Wow.

Chelsea thinks Sarr foul Moises Caicedo in the build-up, but then he simply drills a volley past Robert Sanchez from miles out.

But hang on, VAR is checking...

Welcome back, Noni Madueke.

The winger gets a standing ovation as he makes his return form injury to replace Jadon Sancho.

Those Chelsea fans are absolutely buzzing to see him back out on that pitch, you can tell.

Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson has just picked up a yellow card.

Tottenham have had a shot on target, I repeat, Tottenham have had a shot on target.

I know, I can't believe it either.

It's not a great one, mind, as Micky van de Ven trickles the ball into the gloves of Robert Sanchez. Harmless.

That's never going to be given, lads.

Tottenham are screaming for a penalty after the ball strikes Trevoh Chalobah's hand as he goes to make a challenge.

But his arm is in a natural position; there is nothing he can do about it.

No point appealing for one of them; let's be real.

Ange Postecoglou simply had to make some changes, and now he is.

Brennan Johnson and Pape Sarr are entering the action, while Wilson Odobert and Lucas Bergvall make way.

Will they be able to make an impact?

There is no way Tottenham aren't conceding another.

That may be a let-off for them, but Chelsea are straight back on the offensive here.

It doesn't look like Tottenham are going to buck up their ideas and start playing some footie, that's for sure.

You feel it won't be long until that second does come, and it counts.

My word, this is taking forever...

Oh wait, just as I type that VAR do finally make their decision, and it's not good news for Chelsea.

The goal has been ruled out as Levi Colwill is deemed to be offside when the free-kick came in.

That will go down as one of the best-disallowed goals ever.

Oh, hang on a minute...

VAR are taking a look at a possible offside in the build-up, and Levi Colwill is the man under scrutiny.

Knowing VAR, we won't know for another few minutes. Get yourselves a cuppa guys; we are in for the long haul.

I really can't tell, to be fair.

WHAT A GOAL THAT IS!

That is an absolute stunner from Moises Caicedo to double Chelsea's lead here.

A free-kick is headed back out to the Ecuadorian and he drills a volley right into the bottom corner.

You don't get many sweeter than those.

That is why Chelsea needed Cole Palmer back.

He produces that moment of magic just when things are starting to look hopeless.

That was one hell of a ball from the Blues star man, right on a sixpence for Enzo Fernandez.

And at last, somebody has finished off one of his passes. About time.

They make this one count!

Chelsea have been knocking at the door all night, and now Enzo Fernandez hammers it down with his head.

The Blues skipper gets on the end of a beautiful cross from Cole Palmer to steer the ball into the back of the net.

A huge goal for the hosts.

This half has already started better for Tottenham.

I mean, they haven't had their goal frame rattled inside the first minute, so that is a win.

And they are passing the ball about a bit, which is another good sign.

Jeez, that break went quickly.

Both teams are back out and ready for action, with neither having made any changes.

Let's hope we get some goals in this half.

Jadon Sancho can be such a frustrating footballer to watch. He’s that kid on the playground who prefers trying to skin four opponents as opposed to actually shooting, and Stamford Bridge did not shy in letting him know when he made wrong decisions in that first half.

Jamie Redknapp, former Tottenham midfielder, on Sky Sports:

Chelsea have been by far the better team. They've had more of a purpose and understanding. Spurs have not had a shot on target, you want to see more in midfield, no cohesion. He's picked an attacking side. Vicario has looked a bag of nerves. You need more end product. It hasn't been enough from Tottenham.

Jadon Sancho does run up a lot of blind alleys but he has also come closest to scoring for Chelsea this evening and set up their best chance. Not bad for a guy they're going to pay £5m to get rid of.

Chelsea's forwards just can't hit a barn door this season.

OK, now that might be a little dramatic, but on so many occasions, I have watched them miss huge chances this campaign.

I have covered them a lot, and they just don't finish their dinner enough.

They've hit the post, had one cleared off of the line, and had some really good chances.

If they don't improve that end product, they can kiss goodbye for the Champions League.

There is a long way to go in this game, mind.

It's goalless at the break.

Enzo Maresca walks down the tunnel, cutting a rather frustrated figure, and it's easy to see why.

The Blues battered Tottenham for most of that half, but they just couldn't finish their dinner. Nothing new.

Spurs really need to sort themselves out, otherwise, they are in trouble.

Ohhhh, we have handbags everybody!

This game has been tame so far, but all of a sudden, it has burst into life - this is what we love to see.

Christian Romero decides to liven it up by shoving Levi Colwill to the ground for some reason, and then all hell breaks loose.

Romero and Trevoh Chalobah are both booked after the scuffle comes to an end.

Meanwhile, two minutes have been added.

That is one hell of a save from Vicario!

Jadon Sancho thinks he has scored until the Italian pulls off one of the stops of the season.

The ball is clipped to the back stick where Sancho is lurking. He takes a wonderful touch and then arrows the ball toward the top corner.

It looks like it's going to hit the back of the net until Vicario flies across and tips the ball over the bar.

What a save.

Tottenham seem to have weathered the storm.

They are now getting a real hold of the ball and causing Chelsea a few problems of their own.

If they can nick a goal before half-time, that really would put the cat amongst the pigeons.

Can I see them doing that, though? Nope.

That's better from Tottenham.

It's almost like they realise that this Chelsea is there to be got at. I'm not sure why it's taken them so long.

Son Heun-Min causes some chaos with a low-drilled ball into the box, but Robert Sanchez does well to beat it away.

It's not often I have said that this season...

Ooooh, now that is a groan and a half from the Chelsea fans.

Djed Spence has a stinker and loses the ball just outside the box, with Jadon Sancho picking it up.

He then tries to slide the ball into the box, but his pass is poor and Tottenham clear.

The Chelsea fans then collectively moan, and my word, is it loud.

Enzo Maresca knows Chelsea are well on top and he's just turned to the fans and urged them to make some more noise. They've done everything but score.

Well, that was a waste.

Tottenham finally make a foray forward, and Wilson Odobert is on his bike, at some lick too.

He flies toward the Chelsea box before sliding in Destiny Udogie, but the full-back makes a real meal of his touch, and the chance goes begging.

Meanwhile, it seems there are a bunch of fireworks going off outside the Bridge.

I thought Bonfire Night was in November.

It's coming, I'm telling you. This Chelsea goal is coming.

This Tottenham backline is all over the gaff, and somehow, Nicolas Jackson manages to wrestle some space in the area.

He then takes a touch and sets his sight on the top right-hand corner, but the ball flies over the bar.

One of these chances will be taken; they just have to be.

Craig Pawson ought to apply for a WWE spot.

He has just put in a top-class close line on Lucas Bergvall as the Tottenham midfielder went to press.

Like John Cenea in his prime, he sent Bergvall flying.

Pawson then realised he is the referee and couldn't interfere, so blew his whistle to stop play.

A funny moment, that's for sure.

This feels like it's going to be a long ol' night for Tottenham.

They can barely get out of their own half, it's just constant Chelsea pressure at the moment.

You just have a feeling that a goal will come soon... well, I do.

Phoar... that's so close.

Chelsea come within inches of taking the lead, but Enzo Fernandez just can't turn home Cole Palmer's low cross.

The ball ends up bouncing off of Destiny Udogie and rolling toward goal like it's in slow motion.

Just as it's about to cross the line, Vicario manages to scramble back and get to it.

Another let-off for the visitors.

Jeez, that is a terrible cross.

Malo Gusto has just nearly sent the ball toward the moon after a promising bit of build-up play.

We might need to send Buzz Aldrin back up there to get it back.

Erm... what is that?

Vicario has just decided to turn into Superman rather than just dealing with a simple cross.

The keeper could easily catch the ball but decides to fly through the air and punch it unconvincingly.

Luckily for him, Nicolas Jackson's resulting shot is poor.

Tottenham are so open at the back - what's new?

One pass to Cole Palmer and suddenly, Chelsea have the visitors backpedaling for their lives.

The midfielder eventually finds Jadon Sancho, but his effort is tame and is deflected wide for a corner.

Once the ball went to the winger, you just knew the attack would slow down.

And well, it did. Not quick enough.

Moises Caicedo is trying to continue but he's jogging with a clear limp, and Reece James is still warming up in case he's needed to replace him in midfield.

Chelsea really are cooking tonight; they look like a different team.

Tottenham need to find a way to calm this game down otherwise, they are in real trouble.

The visitors have barely strung together a few passes, let alone made a dent going forward.

Ange Postecoglou won't be too happy, I don't think.

The Chelsea fans think they have scored... but they haven't.

The ball rolls to Malo Gusto on the edge of the area and you just know what he is going to do.

The full-back leathers the ball low toward goal, and it smashes straight into the side-netting.

Some of Stamford Bridge celebrate until they see the ball roll away from goal.

The Tottenham fans then have a little chuckle about it all, and why not?

Oh, this doesn't look great.

Moises Caicedo is down and looks in a lot of discomfort after a collision with Djed Spence.

It's a bit of a nothing coming together between the pair, but the midfielder looks in a lot of pain.

Oh wait, not anymore. The magic sponge has done the trick; never mind.

What a start. End to end, as expected. No matter where these teams are in the table, this game rarely fails to deliver.

I mentioned how Tottenham's back line was practising handling balls over the top... and then one massive launch from Trevoh Chalobah nearly leads to Nicolas Jackson scoring. How Chelsea have missed the chaos of Jackson. Maybe with a little less rustiness, he might have finished that chance.

I have just seen a replay, and had the ball gone in, it would have been Nicolas Jackson's goal.

Micky van de Ven tried to clear the ball as he stumbled over and just smashed it straight into Jackson.

The Chelsea man didn't know much about it, but he has technically hit the post.

The kind of start that this game always provides, bonkers.

Oh my word...

I can't believe what has just happened. Micky van de Ven nearly puts the ball into his own net inside 60 seconds.

One long ball is all it takes to send Nicolas Jackson through on goal, and he nips the ball past Vicario.

Van de Ven then races back, and as he tries to clear, he smashes the ball against his own post.

What a chaotic start.

Right then, it's time to get going.

Both teams have their final huddles before the stadium announcer jeers up the home fans.

'Blue Is The Colour' then blasts out of the speakers before James Maddison gets the ball rolling.

Fingers crossed this is a cracker, as per usual.

The Chelsea tifos are out in force, and the home supporters are singing 'we hate Tottenham' with great gusto to their usual theme tune.

Now, this is what you call an atmosphere!

These Chelsea fans are really up for this one; they are letting the Tottenham fans know what they think of them.

The Liquidator is on as the two teams come out and you can just feel the buzz in the air here. You have to love it.

Sadly, we have to listen to the terrible Premier League anthem, which you all know I hate.

Thankfully, it doesn't last long, and we can listen to the chanting war between the fans.

This is a proper derby atmosphere.

Buzzing for this one. Reece James says in his programme notes that 'the game at their place earlier this season was a crazy one' and I think we're all expecting another end-to-end affair.

We've also just seen Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink share a warm embrace with Gary Cahill on the touchline. Spurs will be very glad that Hasselbaink isn't playing - he scored 12 goals in 11 games against them during his playing career!

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, speaking on Thursday:

Getting there in terms of personnel and numbers, and in match fitness as well. International break was good for us, some players got some game time. We're in a better place.

On Van de Ven and Romero's partnership:

There's plenty of evidence (it helps). Defensive pairings, that understanding and relationship, they seemed to have it from the first day. it's been hard on the other lads (having unfamiliar partnerships).

They give us opportunities to build from the back. It's going to be a tough game tonight, away from home at a top team, and it's what we'll face in the Europa competition.

With 15 minutes until kick-off, Tottenham’s starting back four – Djed Spence, Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven, Destiny Udogie – were lined up practising their offside trap by remaining in a straight line as balls flew over the top of them from a Spurs coach.

They must be expecting that from Chelsea tonight with Nicolas Jackson – playing for the first time since early February – a relentless runner in behind.

Gary Cahill, former Chelsea defender, on Sky Sports:

Progression would be to finish in the Champions League places. Finishing in the top five is vitally important. Nine games to go, it needs to start today.

How are we all feeling then?

There are just 15 minutes until this debry gets going, and I'm sure all the invested fans are bricking it.

I mean, if my team (which I will not tell you) were about to play their rivals, I would be tearing my hair out with nerves. And trust me, I have a lot of it - just look at my profile.

Cole Palmer doesn't seem to fussed, though. He's juggling that ball like he is just in the park with his mates.

I mean, fair play.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea boss, speaking to Sky Sports:

I said many times since day one. Nico [Jackson] is very important for us. Not only because of the goals and assists but because of off the ball. The way we press is different without Nico. He's aggressive but overall, I think he is an important player.

Unfortunately, we had [Wesley] Fofana, [Romeo] Lavia and [Noni] Madueke out at the same time. Now for the final part of the season, they are back and that is the most important thing.

Right guys, I am going to be honest with you.

By now you may be wondering why all our pictures are coming from club tweets and we aren't posting any normal ones like usual.

Well, it's fair to say we are having some technical difficulties.

So, to make sure you guys aren't just bored out of your minds reading, and to add some colour, I am adding some tweets alongside posts.

So yeah, enjoy this one of Enzo Maresca deep in thought.

I passed quite a few merchandise stalls on the way from the tube at Fulham Broadway to the ground. There are lots of scarves with Drogba, Terry, Zola and Lampard on them. Not so many with any of the current Chelsea squad. Makes sense.

Son Heung-Min spoke about a special end to the season, and well, he has the chance to make tonight special too.

The skipper is within touching distance of equalling some club history.

He has nine Premier League assists this season, making him one away from recording 10+ assists in four separate seasons in the competition.

If he provides an assist tonight, then he will equal Christian Eriksen’s Premier League record for Tottenham.

There is one slight problem, though...

Son has faced Chelsea 17 times since arriving a decade ago, and well, he has never recorded a single assist against them.

Tonight would be a good time to change that.

Son Heung-min, Spurs captain, speaking to Sky Sports:

Everybody knows this season has been a really tough one. It was not our best season but the time just flies and it never holds you whether it's a good season or a bad season. As the gaffer mentions, we've got around 50 days left and we've just got to give everything. We could make it special, which is what everyone is looking for.

Every game is different but Stamford Bridge -  it's a good team, good stadium and it's been tough here but I think if we win here and play a good game, everyone will get confidence back and the end of the season can be positive. It's a good place to get a good result, make some history and get our rhythm back.

Jamie Redknapp, former Tottenham midfielder, on Sky Sports:

For Ange, it feels like he's either going to make history or be history. That's the Tottenham model of previous years. Yes, he's had injuries, and it's been a really rotten run for them in that regard, but when you lose 15 games in a season, and you are the Tottenham manager, and you've got great players at your disposal, that's not going to wash with fans.

Some of the performances, like the one against Fulham a few weeks ago, are just not good enough. He now has to, somehow, get the team going again. They've got so much to look forward to with the Europa League - that will be unbelievable for them. Get some silverware, They haven't won anything for so long - that's the stick that every other fan beats Tottenham with.

So that can change, and then all of a sudden it ends up being an incredible season. You'll forget the league form and just remember winning that cup. It can still be such a good season for Tottenham but if they get knocked out next week by Eintracht Frankfurt, it's going to be a really tough last few weeks of the season. The fans are going to be disgruntled, the manager will be under pressure as will the board. There's so many good things ahead but it can quickly go the other way.

The Palmer boys are out in full force tonight.

I told you that the Chelsea fans would be buzzing to see their star boy back in action, didn't I?

No matter his form recently. Palmer-fever has wella nd truly taken over this part of west London.

Can he finally find his scoring boots again this evening, though?

Tonight just feels huge for Ange Postecoglou, doesn't it?

The Spurs boss had the backing of the fans for such a long time, but slowly over the last few weeks he has started to lose it.

Now, that may not be the case for everybody, but the Topttenham fans I know are all now ready for Postecoglou to move on. I think that's pretty fair, considering they are down in 14th.

The pressure is most certainly on Postecoglou to have a positive end to the season. If he doesn't, it could be curtains.

So, with all that being said, the fact that the start of this season-defining run is against Chelsea isn't exactly ideal.

Postecoglou has lost all three of his Premier League meetings with Chelsea – the only side he has faced without yet picking up a point in the competition.

He could become the first-ever Tottenham manager to lose each of his first four league games against Chelsea in charge of the club.

If he wins, though, maybe he will earn some of that trust back.

Arsenal fans may be interested in tonight’s result because if Chelsea win or draw versus Tottenham, it will be mathematically confirmed that the Gunners will finish yet another season above Spurs.

No Wesley Fofana for Chelsea is a blow. A big one. He’s their best central defender but I’m told he’s injured and will be assessed in the coming days. At least Nicolas Jackson starts alongside Cole Palmer, while Noni Madueke is among the substitutes.

Chelsea have been loving this fixture in recent years.

Home or away, it doesn't matter; the Blues will normally come away unscathed after facing their bitter rivals.

They have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League games against Spurs, winning the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 10-4.

Business as usual tonight?

I bet Chelsea fans have a huge smile on their face right now.

As soon as their eyes locked onto that teamsheet and saw Cople Palmer's name, they must have been buzzing.

Yes, he wasn't in the best form before missing the Arsenal game, but it's still Palmer. We all know what he is about.

Without him in the side, Chelsea are utterly toothless; they offered practically nothing at the Emirates.

And with Nicolas Jackson now back up top, too, they now have a lot of firepower going forward.

I reckon we should expect goals, and lots of them. What do you think?

Ange Postecoglou is pulling no punches.

The Australian boss has made five changes to the Tottenham side that lost away at Fulham before the international break.

Son Heung-Min, Wilson Odobert, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and big Micky van de Ven all come in.

After all the drama at Cravemn Cottage, Mathys Tel drops to the bench

Well then, we have our answer...

Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson are thrown in by Enzo Maresca straight from the start.

Noni Madueke, though, has to be content with a place on the bench, as does skipper Reece James.

Happy with this side, Chelsea fans?

Chelsea fans, I have some very good news.

When the team news comes out in just a few minutes, you will see three big names in the squad.

Enzo Maresca confirmed on Wednesday that Cole Plamer, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson are all set to be fit to feature tonight.

Boy, oh boy, are Chelsea in need of them.

The big question is, will any of them feature from the first whistle, or will they be eased back in?

We are about to find out.

Andy Townsend, former Chelsea star, speaking to BoyleSports:

I’ve been involved in Chelsea vs Spurs many times and watched it so many more times since then, there have been some amazing games and none more so than Ange Postecoglou’s first one in charge, I’ve never seen anything like that.

Chelsea will go in as favourites and I think they will win the game, they haven’t got back to the levels they were at before Christmas and they look vulnerable at the back, but Spurs are just so inconsistent. They made poor decisions and trying to predict any Spurs game is difficult, but I think Chelsea will win 2-1 or 3-1.

Right, shall we take a trip back in time?

Back in December, I remember everyone being buzzing for the London reverse fixture between Tottenham and Chelsea. I mean, they always deliver belters.

And my word, that was certainly the case that day.

Ultimately, it was another terrible day at the office for Tottenham, who threw away a two-goal lead.

Once Jadon Sancho clawed the first back for the visitors, you felt like they were not done scoring.

Then came a Cole Palmer brace and Enzo Fernandez crackerjack to complete a wonderful comeback on enemy territory.

It's been downhill for both sides ever since.

Tottenham's record at Stamford Bridge is horrendous.

Every Spurs fan I know absolutely dreads going to Stamford Bridge; they have too many bad memories there to count. Honestly, they rarely even leave west London with a point.

They have only won once at the Bridge from 32 attempts in the Premier League era. Yes, this is a real statistic.

Tottenham's best teams in the league have still gone to Chelsea and lost, even if the Blues have been on a wretched run of form.

So, with that being said, I doubt the Spurs fans are confident their current crop of players can get the job done.

But you just never know; football always springs up the weirdest results when we least expect them.

All runs have to come to an end, eh?

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham boss, speaking on Thursday:

I am passionate about what we're doing. I was brought in to change the way the club plays, rejuvenate the squad and bring success. I am focused on that and that is what I'll keep doing.

[Chelsea have a] talented squad with good manager. They've had a positive season in terms of what they're trying to build. Playing away from home, against a loud fanbase, against a quality opponent where certainly, if we can come through that test it gives you confidence about what is ahead.

They've also been hit with injuries. At their place, they're a tough team to beat. We know we have to play well to beat them. We need to try to build some momentum into the rest of the season and finish in a positive way.

Enzo Maresca, Chelsea head coach, speaking on Wednesday:

We said many times that in the end it’s a game for players and when they are not there for different reasons, you struggle.

This is exactly what happened with us this season where we had five unbelievable months and then six or seven injuries in a row and we lost something. It’s good now to finish with a lot of them.

The attitude has always been top, every day, and even in the last week because they know how important it is from now on. Every game becomes important. We have nine games to go and hopefully we can finish well.

From that win (if they beat Spurs), you can build momentum for the end. We need to win as many games as we can and we will see where we finish.

Tonight is huge for Chelsea, and I mean that.

Somehow, despite being in absolutely rancid form this year, they are still in the hunt for Champions League football. If you have watched them play as much as me, you will be equally surprised.

If the season was to have started a week on from the last time they met Tottenham, back in December, Chelsea would sit 14th in the Premier League table. Yes, you have read that right.

They have lost three of their last five league games and they were extremely poor in the defeat at Arsenal before the international break. It was a hard watch, I'm telling you.

Still, if the Blues win tonight, they leap back above Newcastle and Manchester City into fourth.

While this game is important enough, being a derby and all that, it's the start of nine must-win games for the club.

The last time they played Spurs, people thought they were in a title race, but now they just need to make sure they get in the top five. European football is a must for BlueCo, we all know that.

So yeah, it really is the start of a mammoth two months for the club.

Let's quickly take a look at what happened yesterday, shall we?

It was the night of another derby and Liverpool walked away from it with all of the bragging rights.

Arne Slot's men tonight put to bed any lingering doubts or worries people may have had after their back-to-back defeats before the international break.

They were far from their best tonight, but they did a professional job against an Everton side that broke their hearts just two months ago.

They had to wait some time for the winner, but eventually it came just over 30 minutes from time from the boot of Diogo Jota.

It's fair to say, he really needed that.

Liverpool now sit 12 points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Premier League with just eight games to go.

Elsewhere, Manchester City swept aside Leicester, while Aston Villa somewhat surprisingly put Brighton to the sword, netting three goals without reply.

Ipswich went to Bournemouth's backyard and shocked the rest of the league by walking away with three points, while Southampton got one point closer to equalling Derby's record-low points tally with a draw against Crystal Palace.

And now, here we are, the final night of this gameweek.

Are you guys ready for another derby?

Yesterday, our attention was on Anfield and the Merseyside derby - which wasn't the most entertaining, I can't lie - but now our focus switches to the capital.

To put it lightly, Chelsea and Tottenham hate each other. Yes, that is me putting it lightly; that's how strong the distaste is between the two clubs.

I have even heard some Spurs fans say they loathe the Blues more than Arsenal. I mean, that just says everything, doesn't it?

I'm not sure that is the feeling of most Tottenham fans, but still, the rest don't exactly like Chelsea, and they especially don't like having to go to Stamford Bridge.

Tonight's meeting between the two sides comes at a time of struggle. Neither team is exactly having the best time of it this season, it has to be said.

However, while Tottenham have nish to play for in the Prtemier League, Chelsea are still fighting for a place in next season's Champions League.

This game doesn't need anything extra on it, though. These two always deliver a cracker no matter what their circumstances are. Let's hope that's the case today, too, eh?

Let's get this show on the road.