Chelsea make two changes for Tottenham derby

Xabi Alonso has named his Chelsea side for Saturday evening’s Premier League derby against Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge, making two changes from the team that beat Everton.

Mike Penders makes his first Premier League start after Emi Martinez was ruled out following jaw surgery. Geovany Quenda also starts in the league for the first time, replacing Joao Pedro, who felt something in training the day before the match. Alonso said there was fluid around the injury and further tests were needed to assess its severity.

Joao Pedro has contributed five goals and three assists in six appearances this season. Alonso praised Quenda’s movement, ball skills and threat, saying the winger had been patient and would bring mobility to the side after three brief substitute appearances.

“He attacks the space well, is good with the ball, and is a threat,” Alonso said. “He's been training well. Geo has been patient, and today it's a big game to make his debut as a starter. We want to have mobility and to be fluid, so that we are not static.”

Moises Caicedo captains the side and partners Jordan Henderson in central midfield. The back four of Josh Acheampong, Maxence Lacroix, Levi Colwill and Jorrel Hato remains unchanged. Pedro Neto, who scored twice against Everton, keeps his place in an attack alongside Cole Palmer, Quenda and Morgan Rogers.

Alonso described the fixture as “a proper derby” and anticipated a high-tempo contest. Chelsea have won their last two Premier League games and sit fourth with 13 points from seven matches. They are seeking a seventh consecutive league win over Tottenham.

Tottenham have collected six points from their opening seven league games and sit 16th. Roberto De Zerbi makes two changes, with Mateus Fernandes and Mathys Tel returning to the starting XI. Fernandes starts for the first time since the defeat to Aston Villa, while Tel is named from the outset for the first time since September’s draw with Nottingham Forest.

Dominic Solanke drops to the bench, while Tosin Adarabioyo misses the match. Dejan Kulusevski and Pedro Porro are among the substitutes after returning from injury.

Chelsea: Penders; Acheampong, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; Caicedo (c), Henderson; Neto, Palmer, Quenda; Rogers

Substitutes: Sharman-Lowe, Gusto, Palestra, Fofana, Barco, Nicoll-Jazuli, Lavia, Estevao, Welbeck