Tottenham Hotspur @ Chelsea - April 3, 2025

As a retired coach, I’ve witnessed a fair number of London derbies in my time, and Thursday’s clash between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur promises to be another compelling chapter in this storied rivalry. With Chelsea currently perched in fourth place and Tottenham struggling to find their form, we can expect a battle that centers around pride, strategy, and the all-important three points.

Chelsea comes into this match following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, a result that not only saw them fail to find the back of the net but also raised questions about their attacking efficiency. Their overall stats are notable—averaging about 1.8 goals per match, with over 15 shots taken, which indicates they can create opportunities. However, those 5.4 shots on target a game suggest they may need to sharpen their finishing in front of goal. With an impressive passing percentage hovering near 85%, they have the ability to dominate possession.

On the other hand, Tottenham Hotspur finds themselves in a precarious position in 15th place and coming off a poor showing against Fulham, where they lost 2-0. Their stats tell a story of inconsistency, with an average of close to 1.9 goals scored per match, which isn’t too shabby, but they are only able to muster about 14 shots. The slight edge they have in goals per game might mislead observers, given that their overall form has been patchy at best. A passing percentage of around 83% indicates they can move the ball effectively in parts, but will likely find it hard to break through a Chelsea defense that can be resolute when on their game.

Based on these stats and both teams’ recent performances, my prediction is that Chelsea will come out on top in this matchup. The Blues have a better defensive structure, which comes into play crucially in a contest like this where stakes are high. Furthermore, with the pressure on both sides, Chelsea’s experience and tactical discipline should give them an upper hand.

As for the over/under aspect of this match, I believe we’re set for an exciting affair that will see more than the anticipated number of goals. Given that both teams have shown an ability to score while just as easily conceding, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see multiple goals in this one. With Chelsea likely to press their advantage, I’d expect the Blues to push Tottenham for a more open style of play.

Considering the last few matches have leaned heavily towards the under, I think we might break that trend and see goals from both sides. In the end, I foresee Chelsea winning this contest decisively, perhaps in the vicinity of 3-1, making for an eventful evening at Stamford Bridge. As always in football, however, surprises are part of the game, and I’ll be interested to see how strategy unfolds on the pitch.